My father wanted me to go into politics but I ended up on
"My father wanted me to go into politics, but I ended up on television." Thus spoke Conchata Ferrell, with the wit and candor of one who found her own way. Beneath the humor lies a truth as ancient as the struggles of destiny: that the path chosen for us by others is not always the path where our spirit belongs. A father may dream of power and law, yet the child may find her voice in art, laughter, and light. Both are noble, but only one belongs to the soul that must walk it.
The ancients often told such stories. In the myths of Greece, sons and daughters were destined by their elders for temples or thrones, but the gods whispered otherwise. Achilles’ mother sought to keep him from war, yet fate carried him to Troy. Alexander’s father, Philip of Macedon, saw in him a king, but Alexander hungered for conquest that surpassed kingdoms. So too Ferrell, whose parent saw politics, but whose own spirit found its stage in television, a modern arena of influence no less powerful in its reach.
Consider Ronald Reagan, who began upon the glowing screen of film and television, long before he donned the mantle of state. His critics dismissed such beginnings as trivial, yet it was there that he learned the art of speech, the charm of presence, the command of an audience. In his case, the road ran in reverse: from television into politics, proving that both paths, though different in name, may shape the destiny of nations.
Ferrell’s words remind us that every calling is a form of service. Politics seeks to govern, but television seeks to tell stories, to bring laughter, to hold a mirror to the world. To dismiss one as lesser is folly, for a character on a screen may touch more hearts than a law in the books. She chose the path where her gift could live, and in so doing, remained faithful to herself.
Therefore, let this wisdom endure: honor the dreams of your father, but do not betray the voice of your own heart. The world is wide, with many stages—parliaments, pulpits, and screens. What matters is not the title of the path, but whether you walk it as your true self. For only in that faithfulness will your labor shine with power, whether in politics, in television, or in any calling that fate places before you.
TAThu Tran Anh
I love this quote because it highlights the unpredictability of life. Her father had a clear vision of her future, yet she carved out her own space in television. It makes me wonder how often we find ourselves in places we never anticipated. Is it a matter of fate or simply following the opportunities that come our way? Do we ever truly know where we’re supposed to end up, or is it all just chance?
QAQuynh Anh
This quote really reflects the tension between familial expectations and personal dreams. It makes me think about how often we end up doing something completely different from what we thought we would. Sometimes, we may feel like we’re failing to live up to others’ expectations, but perhaps we’re actually following our true calling. I wonder, though—what would have happened if she had gone into politics? Could her life have turned out differently?
KNNguyen Thi Kim Ngan
It’s fascinating that her father wanted her to go into politics, but she ended up on television, which itself has a major political influence. I wonder, though—did she feel torn at any point between her father’s wishes and her own aspirations? It must have been a tough decision to make, but sometimes it feels like the path you’re meant to take reveals itself unexpectedly. Has anyone else experienced something similar, where you end up where you least expected?
PHPhuong Ha
This quote strikes me as a reflection of how we can be influenced by the expectations of others, yet still forge our own unique path. It’s funny how a desire to go into politics could lead to a career in television, which often involves portraying political figures or commenting on them. It makes me think—how often do our goals shift in unexpected ways? Is it a sign of personal growth or a deviation from the original vision?
TNthuy nguyen
I love the lighthearted tone of this quote. It makes me wonder how often people end up following paths they never expected. Politics might have been her father’s dream for her, but her own journey led her to television instead. Could this be a reminder that sometimes the life we’re meant to live is different from the one others envision for us? How do we know when to follow our own calling or when to honor what others want?