For generations, Vietnamese people have lived by the saying “phi thương bất phú” — without trade, there is no wealth.
Without doing business, it’s hard to prosper; relying solely on a salary rarely makes a family thrive. This isn’t just an old saying — it’s wisdom built from real experience.
In Vietnam, many of our parents and grandparents started with small street stalls or by trading goods from town to town. From those humble beginnings, they saved enough to raise children, build homes, and leave behind something meaningful.
When we came to America, we brought that spirit with us. Here in Atlanta, it’s easy to see: Vietnamese-owned nail salons, restaurants, and real estate offices are everywhere. Many families have built solid livelihoods — enough to educate their children well and become respected members of the community. That “phi thương bất phú” mindset is still very much alive; it’s not an outdated idea from old proverbs.
The Chinese Do It, Why Not Us?
The Chinese community shares the same belief — but they seem to practice it more consistently. From a young age, their children are often involved in the family business: helping at the shop, learning to calculate profits and losses, understanding the value of capital. As a result, generation after generation continues the entrepreneurial spirit rather than stopping at working for others.
Vietnamese families have the same roots, but in America, out of love for our children, parents sometimes shield them too much from business life. We want them to study well and find stable jobs, but in doing so, we may distance them from the spirit of entrepreneurship that helped our families build a life here in the first place.
A Question for the Next Generation
Many second-generation Vietnamese Americans in the U.S. choose to work for large corporations. There’s nothing wrong with that — it offers stability, learning opportunities, and a comfortable lifestyle.
But here’s the question: Is financial independence truly possible without business ownership?
Perhaps the answer isn’t a strict “yes” or “no,” but a matter of mindset. Working for others can sharpen your skills and expand your experience. Yet, if you aspire to true financial freedom, long-term wealth, and legacy — eventually, you’ll need to think about owning, investing, or building something of your own.
Planting the Seeds of “Phi Thương Bất Phú” Early
You don’t have to force your children to take over the family business. But you can expose them early to how business works.
Maybe let them help at your store on weekends, bring them along to meet customers, or give them a small fund to try selling online. Even simple experiences like these can open new ways of thinking.
Most importantly, tell your own story — the tough early years, the challenges you overcame, the pride of being your own boss. Those personal stories are part of your legacy — as valuable as any house or savings you leave behind.
The True Meaning of “Phi Thương Bất Phú”
“Phi thương bất phú” doesn’t mean everyone must become a business owner at all costs. It’s more about a philosophy of ownership and empowerment:
To build lasting wealth, you must learn to manage, invest, and create value — not just work for someone else.
If the Vietnamese community in Atlanta can continue to grow while passing on this entrepreneurial mindset to the next generation, then our children won’t just work for others. They’ll have the confidence and skills to build something of their own, and leave behind a legacy that endures — right here in America.
Conclusion
“Phi thương bất phú” is not an empty saying from the past — it’s proven wisdom. In Atlanta, countless Vietnamese families have lived it out through their nail salons, restaurants, and real estate ventures.
But to keep this spirit alive, parents need to plant in their children the mindset of ownership and financial independence — so that the next generation won’t just make a living, but will build lasting wealth and carry forward the legacy their parents began on this land of opportunity.
