Below, the writer Maxine Hong Kingston explains, in her own words, what continues to motivate her. In a way, I don’t believe in old age. I hear people say, “this hurts” or “that hurts,” and they attribute that pain to old age. I don’t think about vanity much. I look in the mirror, and if I think, “I look young,” that’s good enough.” Instead of wearing lipstick or rouge, I darken my eyebrows.

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Persons: Maxine Hong Kingston, It’s, ”, Phyllis Hoge, we’ve