Chua and Rubenfeld's Triple Package

I recently read Chua and Reubenfeld's The Triple Package book that explored the factors that have led to the success of certain groups in the USA. The Chinese, Indians and Jews are groups whose exploits we have always read about but the inclusion of groups like the Mormons, Cubans, Nigerians and Iranians were an interesting addition. Some have argued that they have been added for 'politically correct' reasons, but I always think there's something to learn from everyone.

The book also discussed the Amish's way of life and how despite them having the "impulse control" factor, they have not become among the 'successful' groups (Yes, I also find the Amish interesting). The definition of success in this book is of course material ; wealth, education, political standing. I guess that statistically a more viable approach than say, happiness, which I have to say I question about when the authors mentioned how some mothers were not happy with their children despite their successes and parents using guilt as a driving force on their children to excel in school.

The other factors that have led to these groups' success are a sense of superiority and insecurity which for them somehow turned to hunger to succeed. While some have criticised the long hours some children, usually Asians, are spending on studying, I cannot totally agree that it is an unhealthy thing to do within a safe and caring environment.

After all Muslim scholars in the past have been known to spend almost every waking hour on remembering and pondering on various knowledge from the Quran to physics. Scholars have been known to discuss knowledge even on their deathbeds. The big difference is that their motivation was for the pleasure of Allah and the hereafter.

The book also spoke of a possible decline when the groups reach the echelons of success and as they realise that they no longer have to live by the values that their parents have imposed on them. I cannot help but think about how Muslims as a group have declined. That is of course a much more complex issue and something that we can all ponder and act upon.