Meaning: The quote "The sweat of hard work is not to be displayed. It is much more graceful to appear favored by the gods." by Maxine Hong Kingston, an American author and professor emerita at the University of California, Berkeley, encapsulates the idea of humility and the desire for success to appear effortless. This quote reflects the societal and cultural expectations surrounding hard work, success, and how it is perceived by others.

In many cultures, there is a prevailing belief that hard work should be subtle and not overtly displayed. The idea of displaying one's sweat from hard work can be seen as a sign of struggle, lack of grace, or even a lack of good fortune. Instead, there is a preference for success to seem effortless, as if one is favored by external forces such as luck or the gods. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the desire to appear successful without drawing attention to the effort and challenges that may have been involved in achieving that success.

Maxine Hong Kingston, known for her works that explore themes of identity, ethnicity, and culture, likely made this statement in the context of the Asian American experience, drawing from her Chinese heritage and the cultural values she was exposed to. In many Asian cultures, there is a strong emphasis on modesty, humility, and the importance of saving face. The idea of not displaying the sweat of hard work aligns with these values, as it suggests a preference for modesty and not drawing attention to one's struggles or efforts.

Furthermore, the concept of appearing favored by the gods reflects a belief in external forces influencing one's success. This can be interpreted as a way of attributing success to factors beyond individual effort, such as luck, fate, or divine intervention. By framing success as a result of external favor, it allows individuals to maintain a sense of humility and avoid coming across as overly proud or boastful.

In the context of the quote, there is also an underlying commentary on societal expectations and perceptions of success. The pressure to appear favored by the gods, to make success seem effortless, can create a sense of imposter syndrome for individuals who have worked hard to achieve their goals. It can perpetuate the notion that one should downplay their efforts and struggles in order to fit into societal expectations of success.

On the other hand, this quote can also be seen as a critique of the societal pressure to conform to certain standards of success and the need to maintain a facade of effortless achievement. It challenges the notion that success should be presented as effortless and instead advocates for a more honest and authentic representation of hard work and the challenges that come with it.

In conclusion, Maxine Hong Kingston's quote "The sweat of hard work is not to be displayed. It is much more graceful to appear favored by the gods." encapsulates the complex interplay between hard work, success, humility, and societal expectations. It reflects cultural values of modesty and humility, while also raising questions about the authenticity of success and the pressure to conform to certain standards. This quote invites contemplation on the nature of success and the cultural and societal expectations surrounding it.