Tamasese is a former Prime Minister and longtime Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition in Samoa.

His own family had to conquer their impulses as their family leader was assassinated by the New Zealand military troops during a peaceful protest march in the country's struggle for independence.

In his speech Tamasese quoted a Samoan proverb: "E sili le toa e pulea lona lotoi i le toa e a'ea le ‘olo" - "He who conquers his impulses is greater than he who conquers the fortress."

"It is also a reminder to ourselves as Samoans of the need to remember our own references," he said.

"It is a reference that draws from the same well of wisdom that inspired the proverbs made famous by Buddha and Sir Edmund Hillary: "To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others" and "It is not the mountain we must conquer but ourselves."

Source

• talamua.com
• Image: cdn.3news.co.nz

As a teenager, there were times that I would refuse to do as she asked, would stomp my feet in anger, or argue that she didn't love me. But she would always reply, "Wait until you're a mother and you'll see why I worry about you so much." After becoming a mother three times over, I practically laugh when I remember those words. I know what she means.

My parents always wanted the best for us four children. They tried their hardest to provide for us financially, keep a comfortable roof over our heads, give us the education that we deserved. We were pushed to understand the value of a dollar, the value of family, the value of hard work. We weren't allowed to talk back, we had to respect their authority at all times. I wasn't allowed to drink until I turned 18, and I wasn't allowed to date until I was out of high school.

At the time, I hated it. I hated the power they had over me. I hated the restrictions they had over my life. I hated the fact that they wouldn't let me 'have fun'. I thought all they wanted to do was control me.

I longed to have the lifestyle my friends had: going out on school nights, drinking alcohol at birthday parties, dabbling in dating, doing what typical teenagers did.

But I grew up and my outlook on life started to change. I turned 18, had a party with a few friends, had a couple drinks to celebrate, and that was basically it. I was busy studying at university, and having recently met my future husband, I didn't wish for that life any more. I still haven't changed, and it doesn't bother me one bit.

However, I know that not everyone feels the way I do. Continue reading

Sources

• Thuy Yau in The Sydney Morning Herald
• Image: Everyday Feminism

Thuy Yau is a freelance writer.