In "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," Anne Fadiman highlights the clash between American cultural values and those of the Hmong people, particularly in relation to definitions of success. The Hmong community often struggles in economic metrics, which are the standard indicators of success in American society. However, when evaluated through the lens of social factors like crime, child abuse, and family stability, the Hmong may actually perform better than many refugee groups and even the general American population.

This contrast emphasizes that the parameters by which success is judged can greatly influence perceptions of a community's well-being. While American culture prioritizes economic achievement, it overlooks the strength of Hmong social structures, revealing a narrow view of what constitutes success. Fadiman's insights invite a reexamination of how we assess different cultures and the complexities of their values, suggesting that a broader definition of success may be necessary to understand varied human experiences.