Famous Asian American Quotes

This Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month be sure to enjoy these inspirational and thought-provoking quotes from some famous Asian Americans!

“Good things will come from self-expression.”

– John Cho

The actor (Sulu in the new Star Trek movies) and author (Troublemaker) celebrates expressing your true self though art.

“If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.”

– Amy Tan

This best-selling author (The Joy Luck Club, The Bone-Setter’s Daughter) points out sometimes we can’t change everything around us, but we can still change ourselves to meet the challenges we face.

“Success is a collection of problems solved.”

– I.M. Pei

The world-renowned architect (East Building of the National Gallery of Art, the glass pyramid at the Louvre) knows that we don’t achieve immediate success or accomplish everything at once—we solve one problem at a time, completing the necessary steps to reach our ultimate goal.

“In a time of destruction, create something.”

– Maxine Hong Kingston

This famous professor and author (The Woman Warrior) carves this maxim out of the struggles humans face and how we can arise from an imperfect world to create meaning and beauty.

“If people think you are this amazing, own it.”

– David Chang

A favorite celebrity chef (Momofuku), TV personality, and author (Eat a Peach: A Memoir) puts it simply: when people react positively to your skills and dreams, take that energy and use it to fuel your next endeavor.

Enjoy Asian American and Pacific Islander Month!