Zhang Zhongmou’s Autobiography” The thing he regrets most about his mother is “I can’t forgive myself for my unadulterated piety that year” | Vision Magazine
Zhang Zhongmou, the founder of TSMC, has been writing since he retired in 2018. After six years, he published the second volume of his autobiography. He shared that he felt deep emotions while writing “The Autobiography of Zhang Zhongmou.” He expressed regret for not being able to celebrate his mother’s 70th birthday properly.
In an interview with Vision magazine, Zhang Zhongmou explained that he used simple language to convey genuine feelings. He wanted readers to understand the emotions expressed in his writing. He noted that many chapters reflect his tears and emotions, saying, “Although there are fewer tears, the feeling is still the same.”
In Chapter 10, titled “Mother’s Lonely Seventieth Birthday,” he recalls being unable to return home due to work commitments. His mother’s birthday celebration in 1979 was simple, as he could only arrange a dinner at a modest restaurant. He painted a vivid picture of his mother’s forced smile and the quiet walk they took afterward. This memory deeply affected him as he reflected on past milestones, where his mother celebrated significant birthdays with joy.
What can readers expect to learn about Zhang Zhongmou’s personal life from his autobiography?
Interview with Zhang Zhongmou: The Emotional Journey Behind His Autobiography
In an exclusive interview with Vision magazine, we had the opportunity to sit down with Zhang Zhongmou, the esteemed founder of TSMC, to discuss the release of his second autobiography and the profound emotional experiences that shaped its pages.
Vision Magazine: Zhang Zhongmou, thank you for joining us. Your latest book is deeply personal. Can you share what motivated you to write “The autobiography of Zhang Zhongmou”?
Zhang Zhongmou: Thank you for having me. Since my retirement in 2018, I have had the time and space to reflect on my life and experiences. Writing has become a way for me to express deep emotions. I sought to share my genuine feelings with readers, using simple language to convey complex sentiments.
Vision Magazine: How did you feel while writing this autobiography, especially compared to your frist volume?
Zhang Zhongmou: writing this second volume stirred a lot within me. I experienced a mix of nostalgia, joy, and regret.It’s a reminder of the fragility of life. For example, I feel a profound sense of loss when I think about my mother’s 70th birthday, which I couldn’t celebrate as I would have wanted due to my work commitments.
Vision Magazine: In chapter 10,”Mother’s Lonely Seventieth Birthday,” you share an incredibly poignant memory. Can you walk us through that experience?
Zhang Zhongmou: Certainly.That chapter reflects a tough moment in my life. I had to accept the realities of my career, which meant missing important family milestones. We had a modest dinner at a simple restaurant, and I can still vividly picture my mother’s forced smile. Our quiet walk afterward remains etched in my memory. It was a stark contrast to happier celebrations I had witnessed in the past.
Vision Magazine: It sounds like that memory has stayed with you all these years. Why do you think it’s critically important for readers to understand these emotions you expressed in your writing?
Zhang Zhongmou: I want readers to feel the emotions as I do. Life’s achievements often come at a cost,and I hope my experiences remind others of the importance of cherishing family moments. Regrets can linger, and it’s essential to realize that career success cannot replace the love and connections with family.
Vision Magazine: You mentioned your parents’ immigration to the United States and their preference for independence. How did that influence your relationship with them?
Zhang Zhongmou: My parents worked hard for their independence,instilling in me the values of perseverance and self-reliance. While I eventually supported them, their preference to remain self-reliant taught me respect for their choices.It spurred me to find ways to give back meaningfully, such as donating stock for their retirement.
Vision Magazine: Looking back, what key takeaway do you hope readers gain from your autobiography?
Zhang Zhongmou: I hope my story encourages readers to value their family relationships.While I am proud of my professional achievements, they should never overshadow personal connections. Life is fleeting; we must embrace each moment, especially with those we love.
Vision Magazine: Thank you, Zhang Zhongmou, for sharing your insights and emotions with us. we look forward to your readers connecting deeply with your autobiography.
Zhang Zhongmou: thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it resonates with others as it has with me.
Zhang Zhongmou’s parents immigrated to the United States in 1950. His father studied at Columbia University but later opened a small shop. Although Zhang Zhongmou was eventually able to support his parents, they preferred to remain independent. He later donated stock to help them retire. Despite his professional success, he continues to feel pain over not celebrating his mother’s 70th birthday joyfully.
He questions himself, asking why he could not celebrate with his parents and friends. This regret highlights the importance of family. It reminds us to cherish moments with loved ones, especially when they are healthy. The book serves as a reminder that career success should not overshadow family connections.