The Spirit of “No Trade, No Wealth” — Should It Be Cultivated for a New Vietnamese Generation in Atlanta?
Among Vietnamese communities, the saying “phi thương bất phú”—without trade, there is no wealth—has long been familiar. Without doing business, prosperity is hard to reach; relying only on salaried work rarely lifts a family into comfort. This isn’t theory but the wisdom of generations. Our grandparents, often starting with a small market stall or trading trips, saved enough to educate their children, build homes, and leave something behind.
When they came to America, Vietnamese families brought that same entrepreneurial spirit. In Atlanta, we see it everywhere: nail salons, restaurants, and real estate offices owned by Vietnamese immigrants. Many families have built strong businesses, raised well-educated children, and earned respect in the community. The spirit of “phi thương bất phú” is very much alive—it isn’t a relic from the past.
The Chinese community shares this mindset but often applies it more systematically. From a young age, children help in family shops, learn how to calculate costs and profits, and understand the value of capital. As a result, they preserve the entrepreneurial spirit across generations. Vietnamese families once had this instinct too, but in America, out of love for their children, many parents keep them away from family business life—sometimes unintentionally distancing them from that foundation.
A Question for the Next Generation
The reality is, many Vietnamese Americans born here choose to work for large corporations. There’s nothing wrong with that—it offers stability, learning opportunities, and a comfortable life. Yet one must ask: is entrepreneurship still necessary to build lasting wealth?
The answer may not be about “must” or “should,” but about mindset. Young people should understand that working for others helps them develop skills and gain experience, but true financial independence and legacy often come from ownership—running a business, investing, or holding a stake in an enterprise.
Planting Entrepreneurial Seeds Early
Parents don’t need to pressure their children to take over the family business, but they can expose them early to the world of commerce. A weekend helping at the shop, accompanying parents to meet clients, or managing a small online store with a modest investment—all these experiences can open new doors.
Even more important, parents should share their own stories—the hardships of starting out, the perseverance through failure, and the joy of being self-reliant. These stories are part of a family’s spiritual inheritance, as valuable as property or savings.
“Phi thương bất phú” doesn’t mean chasing business at all costs. It’s a philosophy: ownership creates lasting wealth; trade and investment build what can be passed on. If the Vietnamese community in Atlanta continues to grow while nurturing this entrepreneurial mindset, the next generation will not only work for others but also have the courage and skill to build something of their own—a strong and enduring legacy in America.
Editor’s Note
“Phi thương bất phú” is not just a proverb; it’s lived experience. Many Vietnamese families in Atlanta have proven it through their success in nails, dining, and real estate. To keep that spirit alive, parents must pass down the mindset of ownership—so future generations don’t stop at employment but continue building and expanding their legacy in the U.S.
Success isn’t only about profit margins or growth charts. It’s about vision and perseverance. If businesses like FedEx had judged themselves only by early losses, they might not exist today. But through vision and resilience, they became symbols of American enterprise.
Going Together to Go Further
A small business working alone can quickly become exhausted. But through collaboration, Vietnamese entrepreneurs in Atlanta can form a strong business ecosystem. A coffee shop might partner with a bakery, and both can collaborate with an event service company. A construction firm could work with financial and insurance partners to offer complete packages. Instead of working in isolation, we can create greater value together.
A Legacy for the Next Generation
There’s a saying: “Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash flow is reality.” Yet there’s one more truth—legacy is longevity. A successful business is not defined only by numbers in a bank account, but by the path it leaves behind for future generations. That legacy may be a trusted brand, a resilient system, or a respected Vietnamese business community.
The Lotus Club hosts weekly business forums for Vietnamese entrepreneurs in Atlanta who share the dream of “building big and building strong,” and who wish to shape a lasting legacy for the next generation.
Join every Saturday, 8:00–10:00 AM at 1640 Satellite Blvd #100, Duluth, GA 30097.
