Fathers and Their Wisdom is a remarkable book that brings together 26 heartfelt essays written by 29 authors, exploring the profound impact of paternal wisdom. Through personal stories shared by sons and daughters, the book delves into the values, life lessons, and enduring influence that fathers have on their children, families, and communities. The fathers portrayed come from a variety of backgrounds, including doctors, diplomats, civil servants, successful businessmen, teachers, politicians, and top-ranking officers. Despite their varied professions and experiences, these fathers shared similar life goals: to love and protect their families, provide for them, offer quality education, and instill strong ethics and values, all in the hopes of shaping their children into well-rounded, decent adults.
Each essay in the collection highlights unique aspects of a father’s life, focusing on memorable moments that capture the essence of who these men were. Through these stories, the book seeks to portray fathers not as perfect figures, but as inspiring, grounded individuals who, despite their flaws, imparted invaluable wisdom that shaped their children’s lives.
In Remembering A Father’s Pearl of Wisdom, Faridah Abdul Kadir reflects on her father, Abdul Kadir Yusof, and the important advice he shared: “Don’t only compare yourself with those above you, as you will never be satisfied and happy. Remember to also compare yourself with those less fortunate, and you will be grateful for what you have in life.” Faridah recalls how her father taught her to be humble, fair, kind, and full of integrity, while always encouraging the family to appreciate nature and care for one another.
Meanwhile, in Remembrance of Dearest Daddy, Sofiya Anisa Shazal describes her late father, Shazal Yusuf Mohamed Zain as honourable, humble, and full of integrity. Golf was his sport of choice, and he became a regular at RSGC, where he joined the Buaya Group for tournaments and friendly games both locally and overseas. His competitiveness in golf was evident, with his name proudly displayed on the RSGC Gold championship board, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Sofiya is proud to say that her siblings now continue the active lifestyle he so often encouraged. It’s inspiring to see how his legacy lives on in his children, who have embraced the same active lifestyle he championed.
In My Father’s Legacy of Literacy by Chong Su Li, she shares the truly inspiring life story of her father, Chong Hai Chin, whose experiences are nothing short of mesmerizing. Born in pre-independence Malaya as the third child of Chinese immigrants, Chong Hai Chin was determined to improve his life and provide himself with better opportunities. Education was the key to his self-improvement, and he viewed it as his gateway to success. His single-minded dedication to learning is evident in his achievements, particularly his proficiency in both Mandarin and English. Despite his humble beginnings, he took it upon himself to master the English language by purchasing The Straits Times every week for just 15 sen and reading it from cover to cover. This was a remarkable demonstration of his resourcefulness and determination, especially considering the limited resources available to him at the time. This motive of learning to be literate using the medium of local newspapers sees itself being repeated across the generation in the family.
Even in his final days, when he was in the hospital, he continued to read the newspaper, a poignant testament to his unwavering belief in the importance of knowledge. I find this story deeply inspiring. It highlights how education can be a transformative force, not just for personal advancement, but for shaping the values and futures of those around us.
Meanwhile In Gone Too Soon, Khairy Jamaluddin reflects on the loss of his father, Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, when he was just 16. His father, a man of integrity and hard work, had instilled in him values that shaped his worldview. Khairy expresses how his father’s absence left an irreplaceable void in his life, noting that his guidance would have been invaluable in shaping his understanding of the world. “I sometimes imagine what if he did not leave me so soon,” Khairy reflects, “I would have had the wisest counsel on what was happening in the world and Malaysia’s place in it.”
Whether they are called Bapak, Papa, or Ayah, fathers hold a special place in the hearts of their children. They serve as moral compasses, guiding us through life with values that shape our decisions, perspectives, and sense of purpose. Even after they are gone, their wisdom continues to influence and inspire us, proving that a father’s legacy endures. This collection is a heartfelt tribute to fathers everywhere, reminding us of their steadfast influence and the life lessons they imparted, which continue to shape our lives long after they have passed.
