" My mom said to me: ‘Sonny, you need to study English.’ And I replied to her: ‘Mom, I do not need it. I’m going to be horse-boy, would I speak English with horses?’ Mom said: ‘Darling, you need to.’ But I did not listen to my mother. "
- Oleksandr Usyk

In the given quote, a son is engaged in a conversation with his mother about the necessity of learning English. The boy believes he doesn't need to study the language because he plans to become a horse-boy and sees no reason to speak English to horses. This exchange highlights a common debate between parents and children regarding the perceived importance of education and career choices.

The quote delves into broader themes such as the conflict between generations over educational priorities, personal aspirations versus parental expectations, and the value placed on different types of knowledge. The son's stubbornness in adhering to his belief about not needing English illustrates a young person's resistance to advice that doesn't align with their immediate goals or dreams. This reflects a wider cultural conversation about how individuals navigate their paths independently from family guidance.

Oleksandr Usyk, the author of this quote, is a Ukrainian professional boxer who has been highly successful in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He won multiple titles across different weight classes before transitioning to heavyweights where he became a unified champion. This anecdote reveals an earlier moment in his life when he was more focused on his immediate surroundings and interests rather than the broader benefits of education, showing how even accomplished individuals can have moments of youthful defiance.