Nice girls finish best.

From Lily Mariye's Website for her production company - Nice Girl Films

Being "nice" has certainly gotten a bad rap...
The name "nice girls films" refers not to my being the typical "nice girl," as opposed to being a "bad girl," but rather my whole philosophy of filmmaking-- Being "nice" has nothing to do with being boring, or subservient, or a doormat...Being "nice" is being appreciative and kind to the people who are trying to help you create your vision...Being "nice" doesn't preclude being driven or ambitious or motivated or strong...Being "nice" just means that I work better surrounded by people who are professional, prepared...I believe there are many talented people in our industry, and it's just as easy to pick people who help you create a healthy atmosphere as it is to pick jerks.

Lily is sort of an unsung hero in the Asian American acting community; or certainly one you don't get listed by other ethnicities when asked to name an Asian American actor (note: we are NOT all Lucy Liu!) Girl's been working since the early 80s on everything from 'ER' to 'Murphy Brown' to 'Star Trek' and 'Melrose Place'. But the more mature of you out there will remember Lily best as the sole Asian resident of Miss Mona's Chicken Ranch (Best Lil Whorehouse in Texas). I like that there's another Asian American out there making films and being multi-talented that I can follow.

But I like her quote best of all. While a healthy dose of doing your best and jumping on opportunities in the theater world is something I'm constantly encouraging, it does NOTHING to yourself, self-esteem or the well-being of others to sink to the levels of insecure criticism. There are going to be people out there who have not matured past middle-school, who cannot see beyond their little box and think poorly of karma in favor of self-advancement. They think that 'nice' means 'doormat' and 'mean' equals 'honest'. They, admittedly, don't WANT to be nice. They ridicule, shame and tease. Nitpick your faults or step on others to make themselves feel better; because they feel like crap. But being honest doesn't mean being an asshole. You know those people that give you loving, meaningful compliments or diplomatic, constructive, KIND feedback? It's because they feel good about themselves. Don't give up your humanity to become someone you don't recognize in the mirror. At the end of the day, did you achieve what you wanted to achieve with wisdom, respect and an open heart? To me, that integrity and genteelness means more in the world than a golden palace.