Conversations with my curious grandson about I got from zero and a crushed dream of becoming a physician to a "Very high net worth individual", without the help of God, without believeing in my banks investment advisor's advise and with as many failures as successes.
Teaching him that an expensive steak only tastes good when you are hungry. A luxury car that you can hardly afford will prevent you from doing many other things that you like. That many things our parents and teachers are telling us is B.S. and that life ends forever only after a few years of living.
If the book makes you mad, if it makes you want to argue with me, if you strongly disagree with me or if you want to tell everybody ypou know how wrong I am, if you find my opinions offensive. It will all make me very happy.
Conversations with my curious grandson about I got from zero and a crushed dream of becoming a physician to a "Very high net worth individual", without the help of God, without believeing in my banks investment advisor's advise and with as many failures as successes.
Teaching him that an expensive steak only tastes good when you are hungry. A luxury car that you can hardly afford will prevent you from doing many other things that you like. That many things our parents and teachers are telling us is B.S. and that life ends forever only after a few years of living.
If the book makes you mad, if it makes you want to argue with me, if you strongly disagree with me or if you want to tell everybody ypou know how wrong I am, if you find my opinions offensive. It will all make me very happy.
Nice, Saba. Okay, now it’s time for the rapid-fire round.
This sounds interesting. What’s a “rapid-fire round”?
We do it in class. I say something and you can only respond with one word.
Okay, go.
Karma.
B.S.
The expression, “Meant to be.”
B.S.
Fortune tellers, tarot card readers, coffee readers, tea leaf readers.
B.S.
The expression, “Everything happens for a reason.”
B.S.
Superstitions.
B.S.
Horoscopes.
B.S.
The expression, “It’s written in the stars.”
B.S.
I think I got it, Saba. All your answers were two words, though, but I will accept it.
Thank you.
With your permission, let me elaborate a little. There is a common denominator in all the words and expressions that you laid out for me to give my opinion on. For me, they all fall under one category, and this is why my answer was the same for each of them. The common denominator is that all these expressions and people have to do with a belief in a superpower, call it God, call it the universe, call it whatever you want, but they all say that something or someone is directing things to happen; they don’t just happen on their own. This is contrary to my atheist belief that there is no God and no superpower that overlooks what is happening to an individual. And because so many people do believe in those things, a whole industry was developed around it to scare people and extract money from people with false promises. Next time you go to a fortune teller, tell them to give you the next lottery winning numbers and let’s see what they say. And if they do and you win the jackpot, I might change my mind. To say that people’s characters and fate are determined on the date they were born or are pre-determined by the position of the stars makes absolutely no sense to me. Being afraid when a black cat goes by and not worrying when a grey or brown-haired cat goes by makes no sense.
.
.
.
Can I tell you some of my thoughts looking back at my life?
Sure, Saba.
Do not believe your parents or teachers when they tell you that you can be anything you want to be in life. It’s a bunch of crock that will disappoint you later in life. Just aim to be the best you can be.
You have the privilege to study and do what you like; just make sure you can make a living from it, then go for it.
The happiest days of my life, in order, were when my children were born and when I got married.
The saddest days of my life were when my friend and classmate was killed in the war, and when my parents passed away.
I do not regret anything I did, just learned from it.
Money will not buy you happiness but always wanting more did secure my future.
I am a little confused, Saba. On the one hand, you are so proud to tell me that you wanted more and more and that you are now rich, and on the other hand, you talk about your cosmic theory, and how basically you say nothing matters, like the fisherman’s story. So, which is it?
Smart observation. But I say you can have both. There is nothing wrong with working hard toward something that will make you happy, but at the same time, understand that if you did not achieve 100 percent of what you wanted, you are still good. And if you decide to be the fisherman who sleeps all day and just manages his survival, as long as it makes you happy, go for it. Just remember that there may be a tomorrow, so you have to be prepared for survival.
What Did You Learn from My Story?
My question to you is: Did you learn anything from my story?
I learned a lot. Your family roots. How you grew up. How you always looked forward, never dwelled on the past. How you didn’t let mistakes or failures slow you down; you just focused on creating your next opportunity. How you built your life in a calculated, safe way. But mostly about your values in regards to many many issues.
Would you like me to repeat your entire story, Saba? Is this what you are asking?
No, no. I know you were paying close attention. So, how about I just sum up my beliefs for you?
Okay.
You didn’t fail; you just did not succeed in a given time.
Small successes count too.
When you think all is lost, try something else.
Pick yourself up: tomorrow is another day.
Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it helps you sometimes achieve some goals.
No matter how much money you have, you will only eat one breakfast per day.
Even if you can afford it, it doesn’t mean you have to have it.
Play safe, save for a rainy day.
There are different ways to go through life. All are legitimate as long as you don’t harm anyone.
Never regret anything: the past is the past, don’t dwell on it.
Giving is more satisfying than receiving.
Beauty is on the inside, not the outside.
Not everyone will like you, not everyone wants the best for you, accept it.
It’s not what people think of you, it’s what you think of you that counts.
People must earn your trust in them.
Question everything.
Family is everything.
Respect your parents.
Siblings are your longest friends in life.
Your children will always be your children as long as you live and even after.
Lead by example.
Words don’t mean anything; actions do.
If you can’t talk about it, you shouldn’t do it.
Don’t wait for God to help you. Help yourself.
Your time is limited; do what makes you happy.
Wow, you are amazing, Saba, but a little, how should I put it, unconventional. You did a lot of things in your life. Not afraid to try and not afraid of change, and with lots of opinions, for sure.
So, bottom line, will you be buying a new car, Saba?
We’ll see.
Are you ready to eat dinner?
Always, Saba.
Chinese or Indian?
Chinese.
I thought you liked Indian better.
I do, but the Indian restaurant is farther down the block, and I am not sure your car will make it all the way there.
F**k you Mrs. G. by Michel Friedman offers a unique dialogue between grandfather and grandson that creates a legacy memoir of Friedman's values, perspectives, and the reasoning behind them. Covering topics from abortion, feminism, finance, and overcoming expectations, to wars and everything in between, Friedman leaves each and every one of his values behind for his posterity. Delivered in a direct, sometimes comical style, Friedman doesn't write in hopes of you agreeing with him; he writes his truth plain and simple.
First, this book is a fun and unique read. It offers a heartwarming conversation and connection between family members while also delivering a real message. It talks about hard topics most people avoid. It dives into finances and how there is no need to spend money just to flaunt wealth. It addresses the question of what really is left for your family when you're gone. Through many conversations, this book does leave a mark on the reader, making them think deeper about not only their values but why they hold them. Overall, when approached with the right mindset of analyzing opinions and building empathy and understanding, this book offers the opportunity for a multitude of emotional growth while still being entertaining.
In addition, although this book is interesting, it's not quite like most books you read. F**k you Mrs. G. is more of a legacy book than a memoir, documenting what Friedman believes so his kids and posterity never have to wonder what he actually believed in. Although this is a wonderful book and will most likely be cherished by family members generation after generation, it isn't necessarily as engaging to an outsider. Unless a reader enjoys engaging with a unique perspective on an extremely large variety of topics, this book simply won't be for most people.
Ultimately, F**k you Mrs. G. by Michel Friedman is a one-of-a-kind book that documents Friedman's beliefs for generations to come through conversations with his grandson. With a wide array of topics discussed, this book isn't for everyone, but it offers thoughts on topics most people can relate to in some way. Overall, this book is perfect for sociologically curious minds and readers who enjoy conversational writing. It serves less as a traditional guide and more as an intriguing window into how another mind navigates the world.