For you, who persistently strive every day in difficult times,
When entangled in relationships, feeling down due to setbacks, or facing negativity from kindness, let the wise voices of life from around the world accompany you in a chat!
$18 Original price was: $18.$15Current price is: $15.
Crystal Bien is the founder of River Bien (North America) and serves as a business consultant in Silicon Valley, California, while also being an illustrator. She has loved painting and art since childhood and has a great passion for artistic creation and promotion. Her founded “River Bien” art platform was selected by the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China in 2023 as one of the 30 “Global Young Entrepreneurs with Potential.”
She has taught at Purdue University’s Management School, served at the “Taiwan Sovereign Fund,” managing multiple investment projects and representing the fund on the boards of several companies. She has also worked in IBM’s corporate consulting division and a UK consulting firm.
Crystal earned her Ph.D. in Strategic Management from Purdue University, with a minor in Economics. She holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from National Taiwan University. From 2011 to 2012, she was a doctoral candidate at National Taiwan University and was selected as one of four recipients of the “2012 Outstanding Talent Award” to study at Harvard University.
Professor Ming-Che Tang, President of Chang Gung University, former Vice President of National Taiwan University
I have known the author, Dr. Bien, for over ten years. After earning her Ph.D. from Purdue University, she engaged in literary work. This book is a great read for young people. Because if you don’t read it, when faced with changes in life, you will sigh: “If only I had known sooner.”
Life is always full of ups and downs; the question is, what attitude do we take to face life’s fluctuations? Essentially, life needs to have goals; once we have goals, we can plan, progress step by step, and achieve small goals that accumulate to reach the ultimate goal. However, the process will definitely not be smooth sailing. If it is, then your goals are too easy to achieve relative to your abilities, lacking challenge; at this point, you need to adjust to a higher goal. If things are not going smoothly and you face setbacks, you need to assess the situation. If it’s a small setback, persist; but if it’s a significant one, consider if it’s an “adversity bodhisattva.” You need to find a way to break through and revise your original approach. For instance, Wang Yongqing produced PVC and couldn’t sell a ton in ten months; that was a significant setback, so he had to find another path. Later, by integrating downstream, he broke through the dilemma. Therefore, in times of adversity, you need to have a mindset that sees adversity as an opportunity for transformation. The founder of TSMC, when studying at MIT, only wanted to be a professor; when he failed to complete his doctorate, he thought it meant he wasn’t suitable for academic work. He then entered the industry and became a giant. If everything had gone smoothly, he wouldn’t have achieved what he has now; the setbacks at MIT became his “adversity bodhisattva.”
This book contains thirty short essays filled with wisdom; although brief, every word is precious, accompanied by thought-provoking illustrations and English phrases. It’s worth savoring.
Professor Shih-Tung Ding, Vice President of National Taiwan University
The essence of this book lies in understanding the good attitude towards life through small details. The author is passionate about life, and her experiences are very genuine. She shares an optimistic approach to life, which is often lacking in many when facing challenges.
Whether persisting in the path she believes in or not losing heart due to defeat, these are profound experiences of the author. Her descriptions of life experiences also reveal her Christian faith and the peace of mind that comes from trusting her faith, which is fundamentally based on love.
Through a series of small stories, this book narrates themes of kindness, positivity, love, courage, effort, hope, happiness, faith, sincerity, perseverance, perspective, resilience, ambition, helping others, dreams, success, warmth, and respect. It also shares heartwarming and charming illustrations that depict caring stories among each other.
Whether “It was the best of times” or “It was the worst of times,” this is the era we are meant to create!
Chairman Hsin-Ming Kao, Fan Hsuan Group
No one is born brilliant; every soul is refined to become beautiful. Crystal’s illustrations are warm and healing, calling forth the innocent and childlike corners of our hearts. Her writing is rational and rich, pointing out the setbacks and entanglements we all encounter in our growth. The confusion and musings we have found answers in this book, which also encourages us.
Mrs. Mei-Ling Liu Founder of Bei En Media, Senior Pastor of River of Life Church in Silicon Valley, USA
I am very delighted to see that Crystal’s illustrations and insights are being published in a picture book. Each time I see these illustrations, I am drawn to the children depicted. Reading her short essays brings fresh, humorous, and wise reminders that the teachings of the Bible can be expressed in simple and fun ways. It reminds me of Jesus saying that we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. I firmly believe that those who read this book will unknowingly embody a childlike mindset, bringing them closer to the kingdom of heaven.
Dr. Hsiao-Hung Liu Executive Chairman of “Yoo Video Channel” in Silicon Valley, President of the Northern California Chapter of “All People’s Mission,” and Senior Executive in Silicon Valley’s Internet and Chip Industry.
“Exquisite Work, Wisdom Crystallized”
Dear readers, you are greatly blessed!
This exquisite book, aptly named “If Only I Had Known,” truly makes you want to dive in! Author Crystal Bien effortlessly shares valuable life insights in each refined piece. While enjoying and learning from the writing, we also relish her lively and vivid illustrations, alongside guiding biblical truths, enhanced by delightful conversations! Wow! This is a super enjoyable experience!
Can we not eagerly read this?
The author, with a spirit of love, precisely addresses common challenges (for example, 1: Listening to others; 3: You can be angry, but don’t lose too much), or encourages us with important life wisdom (for example, 10: Give yourself a round of applause; 12: Don’t wait until the day of success to start being happy). As readers, you will definitely find that whether in the overall theme, “Your Kindness is Powerful,” or individual chapters (for example, 23: Height Determines Perspective; Structure Determines Outcome), they all provoke thought and provide encouragement!
As for the keys to being blessed (for example, 21: You’ve been given everything; what about me?; 22: Love the unique you?), they reveal truths for a fruitful life. Feeling a bit excited?
Wishing author Crystal Bien’s carefully prepared wisdom pieces not only serve as precious guides for young readers but also accompany all friends along their journeys! May the Father bless you!
Pastor Yachern Wang Founder of ACTS Africa Vocational School and River Of Life Clinic
As the saying goes, “It’s hard to buy hindsight.” Goodness, today we actually have the opportunity to “know early” about some things!
Life is ever-changing, and since time cannot be reversed, “regret” often becomes an unavoidable burden. Therefore, throughout history, from the affluent to common folk, including ourselves, we all yearn for wisdom in life. Frankly, our love for movies about time travel, like “Back to the Future,” stems from the hope of remedying or avoiding the regrets of “if only I had known sooner.”
Having the privilege of frequent exchanges and interactions with cross-cultural friends, I’ve found that what people desire most is not just wealth and health, but a “blessing that enriches without adding sorrow.” How can one attain such blessings? “Things You Wish You Knew Earlier” can help.
Thanks to the thoughtful and imaginative Crystal Bien from River Bien for gathering the wise voices of life from across the ages, sharing her insights of “if only I had known sooner,” and communicating the fruits of life’s refinement with us. Thirty light-hearted short stories, accompanied by thirty adorable illustrations and unique humor, add a bit of breathing room, relaxation, reflection, and a touch of “thank goodness I knew earlier” blessings to our lives.
Oh, perfect! One post a day, taken over a month: short essays for internal use, illustrations for external application; visually pleasing and therapeutically effective! One day, we will happily say, “Thank goodness I knew earlier!”
Dr. Chong-Sung Kuo Founder and Chairman of YUAN-GANG Technology, Adjunct Professor of International Business at National Taiwan University
Effective communication must be concise and to the point!
Dr. Crystal Bien is a well-versed Ph.D. in Strategic Management and a devout Christian! She addresses simple everyday topics in a relatable manner, integrating Christian gospel to convey her understanding and spread the love of God.
Each short article is easy to read, allowing readers to grasp and alter their attitudes toward life and work. Each piece is profoundly meaningful without lengthy elaboration, achieving a state of being easy to read and understand.
I personally suggest that readers – read one article at a time! Then close your eyes or clear your mind, and think about what your conversation with the author might be. Do you share the same views as the author, or do you have different perspectives? Finally, ask yourself what changes you want to implement in your life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each time we encounter a challenge, we could reflect on the “hidden wisdom” contained in this book?
RiverBien is a platform that provides artists with a welcoming space to share and sell their art. Like a tree planted by a stream of water, it bears fruit in due season.