Western people ask me whether it is a paradox that I am King but support democracy. I have to tell them that in Thailand, the King is the guarantor of democracy.
Bhumibol AdulyadejRead
My mother praised me when I did something good, and then the next moment, she would say, 'Don't float.' She put me in a balloon and then pricked it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A mother balances praise and humility in a child's life.
This quote reflects the duality of a mother's love and guidance. While she acknowledges and praises her child's achievements, she simultaneously seeks to instill humility and groundedness, reminding her child not to become complacent or overly proud. The metaphor of being in a balloon that is both inflated and then pricked encapsulates the delicate balance of encouragement and the need for self-awareness.
Themes
MotherPraiseHumilityGuidanceBalance
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speech about the importance of staying humble after success.
More from Bhumibol Adulyadej
All quotes →People get angry at others who express a different opinion, while, in fact, they should be angry at themselves. But we must be angry at ourselves the most when we say something today, only to say something else tomorrow.
Bhumibol AdulyadejRead
They say that a kingdom is like a pyramid: the king on top and the people below. But in this country, it's upside down.
Bhumibol AdulyadejRead
Similar quotes
Standing in support of children is something we should all be able to get behind, regardless of party affiliation.
Colin PowellRead
Hey, look — Harry’s got a Weasley sweater, too!” Fred and George were wearing blue sweaters, one with a large yellow F on it, the other a G. “Harry’s is better than ours, though,” said Fred, holding up Harry’s sweater. “She obviously makes more of an effort if you’re not family.
J. K. RowlingRead
Arguably, the families most at need of housing assistance are systematically denied it because they're stamped with an eviction record. Moms and kids are bearing the brunt of those consequences.
Matthew DesmondRead
My father was a certain kind of man - I saw how he treated my mother and his family and how he treated strangers. And I vowed I would never make a film that would not reflect properly on my father's name.
Sidney PoitierRead
There is nothing like a newborn baby to renew your spirit - and to buttress your resolve to make the world a better place.
Virginia Clinton KelleyRead
My daughter was asked by a little old lady in a London hotel restaurant what her daddy did. She answered, “He’s a pirate” - I was very proud of that answer.
Johnny DeppRead