About Quote by Robert Gottlieb
“I was the only child, and I know my father had certain thoughts about me. He was a lawyer and extremely literary, but he would have been much happier if I had wanted to be a lawyer, a scientist, an engineer. But what I wanted to do was read.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1995
The speaker reflects on parental expectations versus personal passion, noting a clash between a father's professional hopes and the speaker's love for reading.
In simple terms: A child felt pressure to follow a parent's career wishes but chose reading instead.
Key Takeaway
Follow your true interests despite external pressure.
Themes
family expectations
personal identity
career choices
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
personal narrative
memoir
When to use this quote
- choosing a career
- academic pursuits
- family discussions
Key Concepts
parental influence
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel your choices honor or betray your family's hopes?
- How can you reconcile personal passion with familial expectations?
A Different Perspective
Pressure can strain relationships and limit growth.
