Summary
Unlike many spiritual, self-help gurus, Kapil Gupta does not believe in prescriptions, how-to’s, self-help, guru’s, mental hacks, psychology, motivation, and the like. He thinks that these things are for those who are not serious. According to Kapil, the Truth is a path away from all fixes, away from all chases. It is for the one who is Serious. It is for the one who is Sincere. This book is for those handful of individuals.
It's a fairly quick read. It's laid out in a Q&A format, supposedly with the people the author mentors as he has a coaching business for entrepreneurs, celebrities, etc. The questions are very relatable, with insights sprinkled throughout the book. It is devoid of fluff & cuts through to the topic being addressed. It's smart, pragmatic & no-nonsense.
Some key highlights:
- If you truly desire something, you will find a way to do it. But the question is do you truly desire it? E.g - You might think you want to be rich. But is that what you really want? Or is it that you think being rich is how you gain respect from peers. So what you are looking for is maybe good human relations.
- Not focusing on self will help you have a good life. Devote yourself something that is not you - it can be science, sports, religion. You should be able to lose yourself into it
- Brings up an interesting point about responsibility. It fits into his world view that right/wrong is an artificial social construct and hence enough motivation to do great things. Responsibility is a societal creation. No one is truly responsible for another. You do not owe your children anything. They do not owe you anything. If you wish to do, then do. If they wish to do, they may also do. That which comes from the heart is natural and satisfying. That which comes from the idea of responsibility is forced, artificial, and often produces resentment and the expectation for reciprocation.
- His take an issues like anger/guilt is interesting. Anger is a weapon that you enjoy using in order to protect your ego and to bolster it. Guilt is protective. It serves as a buffer between you and your feelings of superiority. If you do not allow yourself to feel guilty about being wealthy, your mind tells you that you are insensitive.
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