Book Review: The Wise Man Said by Priya Kumar







Book Review: The Wise Man Said by Priya Kumar


 I had reviewed ‘The Calling’ by Priya Kumar and when I was informed about this new book, it wasn’t a surprise that this came along for review. After my experience with The Calling, I had mixed expectations from this one and it turned a bit of a surprise.


Only when you read the book do you realize the true meaning and intent of the title of the book. The book is not just a few wise words of an old man ... it is a treasure trove wise words.


The book is filled with the travels of an old man which are loaded with life observations and lessons learnt. There are learnings from each and every aspect of the event that he shares through his diary. The learnings are also not all that philosophical in nature. They are mostly small daily-life real-life difference-making learnings that are meaningful to you.


All through the book I kept asking myself why the author told the story through the wise old man’s diary and not through a face to face conversation between the wise old man and the young lady seeking a direction and clarity in life. Frankly, I don’t have an answer. Maybe someday I will get a chance to meet the author and ask her directly.


The book is a series of events from the old man’s life – the events being his unique brand of travelling the world. He works for a month (in the multi billion dollar company he owns) and the rest of the time, he travels … without money. THAT’S what makes his brand of travel unique. He travels without money and without using his name/status etc to get free stuff/travel/food. He just carries his diary with him.


Surprisingly, as per him, he has travelled great distances (across oceans, continents) without money purely because there are good people around who will help. You don’t have to beg. All you have to do is ASK.


That in itself is the GREATEST learning of the book. Just ASK for what you want.


Once again, the book does not intend to, does not promise to and does not want to solve your problems or show you the path. It gives you a fresh perspective of life, which could potentially help you solve your problems, find your own path. It opens up your thinking and perspective of life, taking it a different level.


Enjoy at your own risk 😊


 
Rating: 3/5


Not 4 or 5 since I am not too much into non-fiction and even a 3/5 from me on a non-fiction is Big 😊

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