It is the author's travelogue, written in the pre-4G and dot-com era. A Bengali by surname, a north indian with roots, and a south Indian where work took him. I could relate to his journey and freedom of traveling without any specific plan.

The book takes you to other India, starting from Varanasi and ending in Kerala. The food, culture, people, and stories, apart from authors craving whiskey at dingy bars, he has narrated well. The book was more about the author's quest to connect himself with all these places rather than acting as a guide or expert, which was a welcome change.

When you are alone, traveling, and meeting strangers, a welcoming gesture and empathy can help you make friends. The journey in itself is unplanned; on top of that, like a treasure expedition, you need to enquire about everything. The author has done a good job keeping the conversation raw and, at times, offered free booze for stories.

For anyone who has grown up in the 80s and 90s and taken local buses and trains, they could relate to the author's journey.

The story begins with Nero’s complicated relationship with his mother, Agrippina the Younger. Think of Agrippina as a master strategist, playing Roman politics like a pro. She schemed her way to putting Nero on the throne, only to cling tightly to power after he was crowned. At first, Nero tolerated her control, but as he matured (and by matured, I mean grew paranoid and power-hungry), he wanted her out of the picture — permanently. His first attempt? A collapsing boat designed to drown her. It failed spectacularly, so he resorted to sending assassins. Her famous last words, “Stab my belly!” (a dark reference to having given birth to him), reveal the intense emotional weight behind their tragic dynamic.

But Nero wasn’t just power-obsessed — he was performance-obsessed. If anything, he seemed more interested in being a famous artist than an emperor. He saw himself as a misunderstood creative genius, giving public musical performances and competing in poetry contests (which, to be clear, he always won because, well, emperor). His obsession with personal fame was so consuming that his last words were reportedly “What an artist dies in me!” — a reflection of how much he valued his artistic legacy over his actual role as Rome’s leader.

Then came the Great Fire of Rome — the event that cemented Nero’s villain reputation for centuries. The myth says he “fiddled while Rome burned,” but the truth? The fiddle hadn’t even been invented yet. While he did help coordinate relief efforts, the fact that he later built his extravagant Domus Aurea palace on the ruins of the city made people question his motives. If your city burns down and you immediately build yourself a golden mansion on the ashes, people start asking questions.

As the years passed, Nero’s leadership spiraled further. His paranoia led him to systematically eliminate anyone he saw as a threat — stepbrothers, wives, senators, you name it. This cycle of power consolidation and mistrust isolated him further, creating a destructive feedback loop. Eventually, Rome had enough. Rebellion spread, the Senate declared him an enemy of the state, and Nero fled, ultimately taking his own life. Even in his final moments, his ego took center stage with his dramatic dying words: “What an artist dies in me.”

The Legacy by Stephen Frey is a reminder that history is never as far removed from our lives as we think. At the heart of the story is Cole Egan, a man who, on the surface, seems like just another Wall Street trader having a bad year. His career is crumbling, debts are mounting, and his future is in jeopardy. But then, out of nowhere, he discovers a hidden piece of history that changes everything—a previously unseen tape of the JFK assassination, filmed from a new perspective. What follows is a gripping exploration of how one moment in time can ripple through decades, affecting lives in ways no one could have imagined.

The tape, left to Cole by his estranged secret agent father, isn’t just a historical relic—it’s a Pandora’s box that opens up a world of danger, power, and secrecy. Cole sees it as his way out, a chance to fix his personal and financial mess. But what he doesn’t realize is that history doesn’t just belong to the past. It reaches into the present, and in his hands, it’s a ticking time bomb. Powerful people want the tape buried, and Cole is caught in the crossfire.

Frey’s novel works because it’s not just a story about a conspiracy. It’s a story about the weight of legacy—what we inherit from the past and how it shapes our future. Cole’s journey is less about solving a historical mystery and more about coming to terms with his own family’s tangled web of secrets. Frey blends action, suspense, and family drama, all while reminding us that the most important stories aren’t the ones we see on the news—they’re the ones playing out in our own lives.

As Frey writes, “Almost.” That word captures the tension throughout the novel. Cole almost forgets the chaos of his present when he watches the tape, almost lets go of his mounting debts, but the truth is, we can never truly escape the weight of our circumstances or our history.

The Legacy is a reminder that even when we think we’re living in the present, we’re always carrying the past with us. Perfect for readers who like their thrillers layered with meaning.

If you've ever been seduced by the idea that life can be meticulously planned, forecasted, and controlled, Michael A. Singer’s The Surrender Experiment is a profound and humbling reminder that it simply doesn’t work that way.

Singer’s book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a full-bodied lesson on one of life’s most difficult-to-accept truths: the beauty and unpredictability of letting go. It’s tempting to assume that the harder we push and plan, the more successful and fulfilled we’ll become. But Singer flips this script entirely. He argues that life unfolds best when we stop fighting for control and instead allow ourselves to flow with the current, trusting the universe to steer the ship.

This concept feels radical at a time when business success stories are often framed as the product of grit, relentless determination, and carefully plotted strategies. But Singer takes us through his personal journey—a reluctant entrepreneur, an accidental real estate developer, and a spiritual seeker—where opportunities seemed to appear the moment he stopped resisting.

One of the book’s key messages is summed up when Singer writes, “Let go of who you think you are and the world will show you who you really are.” This strikes at the core of what many of us find difficult: releasing the rigid identities or narratives we cling to, convinced that they will bring us success or happiness. But it’s only when Singer steps aside and lets life lead the way that he finds true purpose.

The book walks us through his life, starting with his deep dive into meditation and spirituality in the woods, to becoming the CEO of a billion-dollar company. All of it seems serendipitous, but that’s exactly the point. By surrendering to what life presented to him, rather than forcing a specific outcome, Singer was carried to unexpected heights. As he writes, “I was no longer resisting life, and I was no longer listening to the voice in my head that judged everything that was happening. Instead, I was simply letting life unfold.”

To the skeptic, this might sound like luck dressed up in philosophy. But there’s a deeper takeaway: sometimes the returns on life’s investments are greater when we get out of our own way. And isn’t this lesson analogous to investing? So much of great investing isn’t about finding the next hot stock or predicting the market’s movements—it’s about minimizing error, not overreacting, and riding the long-term tailwinds that seem to appear when you focus on the process, not the outcome.

In Singer’s world, success didn’t come from aggressive planning or brute force but from a quiet sense of faith in the way things could unfold. “Do the best you can with what’s in front of you, and then let go. It’s up to life what happens next,”he explains. It’s not that he didn’t put in work or dedication—he certainly did—but his energy wasn’t spent resisting what life was offering him. This echoes the idea in business and investing that sometimes, the most powerful strategy is patience and openness to the unknown.

There’s an underlying humility to this book that sticks with you. It challenges us to question whether we truly know what’s best for ourselves. “The only thing you have to do is stop fighting with life and instead let it be your teacher,”Singer advises. Maybe the real wealth—whether it’s financial, personal, or spiritual—comes not from crafting a perfect roadmap but from having the courage to set aside the map altogether.

And that’s a mental model worth adding to our toolkit: sometimes, the most valuable thing we can do is surrender our need for control, and in doing so, let life show us opportunities we never could have imagined. As Singer says, “The natural flow of life is an upward course, and all things are naturally drawn toward the light. If you stop fighting with life, you'll see that life can take you higher than you could ever imagine.”

I first heard of Ray Dalio when Principles started gaining traction in corporate circles in India. It was marketed as a treasure trove of wisdom for those seeking success, promising insights from one of the world’s top hedge fund managers. But after reading The Fund by Rob Copeland, it’s clear that the story behind Dalio and his hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, is far more complicated—and unsettling—than the neatly packaged lessons in Principles suggest.

Rob Copeland, a seasoned financial reporter, digs into the reality behind the headlines. The Fund paints a vivid picture of Dalio’s management style, one that’s built on an unusual—and at times, oppressive—philosophy of “radical transparency.” Bridgewater wasn’t just a hedge fund; it was a workplace experiment where employees were encouraged, even forced, to embrace brutal honesty. On paper, this sounds like a great idea. In practice, it created a culture of fear and constant surveillance.

Employees at Bridgewater had to participate in "probings," which were essentially public humiliations disguised as feedback sessions. During these sessions, people would be berated, broken down, and pushed to their limits, all in the name of self-improvement. These moments were not just witnessed by colleagues; they were recorded and added to a library of past confrontations, ensuring that mistakes—and emotional breakdowns—were never forgotten. The twisted part? This was all framed as part of the company’s commitment to making its employees “better.”

At the core of this culture was Dalio’s obsession with creating a “meritocratic” workplace, where everyone’s opinions were ranked based on past performance. In theory, the best ideas were supposed to rise to the top. But in reality, it turned into a toxic environment where employees rated each other, and the workplace felt more like a high school clique than a professional hedge fund. The ratings system, designed to promote honesty, devolved into a tool for backstabbing and fear.

And here’s where it gets even stranger: when an early version of the system revealed that two employees had higher credibility ratings than Dalio, he rigged it to make sure he always remained on top. So much for a true meritocracy.

So how did Bridgewater succeed despite such dysfunction? Copeland offers some answers. Most employees were kept far from the firm’s actual investment decisions, which were handled by Dalio and a small, tightly controlled group. This insulation from the chaos may have protected the core investment operations. But there’s another factor: Dalio’s uncanny ability to build relationships with political leaders abroad. His knack for predicting the moves of global political figures, particularly in China, allowed him to position Bridgewater ahead of major market shifts. This, combined with his reputation for foreseeing economic downturns, gave Bridgewater a significant edge.

However, Dalio wasn’t always right. He frequently predicted market downturns that never came, leading to Bridgewater having bad years when the market was booming. But when his predictions hit the mark, such as during the 2008 financial crisis, his foresight and deep political connections helped him deliver remarkable returns.

In The Fund, Copeland masterfully details the highs and lows of Bridgewater, showing how it managed to flourish in spite of—or perhaps because of—its bizarre, cult-like culture. It’s a gripping read, exposing the dark side of corporate success and offering a cautionary tale about unchecked leadership. For anyone curious about the human cost behind financial empires, The Fund is a must-read.

The Chairman plunges readers into the high-stakes world of private equity, where power and ambition rule, and no one is safe from betrayal. Set within Everest Capital, a prominent private equity firm, the novel begins with the suspicious death of its Chairman, Donovan. His untimely demise sparks a fierce competition among the remaining partners to seize control of the firm. Christian Gillette, a shrewd and determined figure, emerges as the new Chairman after a heated Board of Directors meeting, but the power struggle is far from over.

Packed with a relentless series of events—including murders, explosions, and backdoor deals—the novel keeps readers on their toes as it shifts between the corporate boardroom and political intrigue. Senator Stockman, a key political figure with presidential aspirations, adds further complexity by leveraging his influence to manipulate the rivalry between Everest and its competitor, Apex Capital.

While the action is riveting, some readers may find the depiction of women and the overall writing style lacking. Characters often feel one-dimensional, and the portrayal of women is especially problematic, reducing them to little more than sexual objects. However, the story’s constant twists and unpredictable developments make it difficult to put the book down.

In the end, The Chairman offers a thrilling ride through a world driven by power, greed, and manipulation. Although the characterization may fall short for some, the intricate plot and fast-paced action make it a gripping read for fans of corporate and financial thrillers. For those who enjoy suspenseful narratives with plenty of twists, this book delivers—and leaves readers curious to see what Stephen Frey has in store next.

Some quotes:

The only thing that matters in this business is power. Money is just a tool to get it.

Trust is a luxury few can afford in the world I live in.

People only see what you show them, never what you hide.

Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing.

There are no rules in this game, only those who are smart enough to make their own.

Power is addictive, and once you have it, you’ll do anything to keep it.

Sometimes, you have to play dirty to survive in a world where everyone else already is.

The most dangerous enemy is the one who pretends to be your friend.

Everyone has a price. The only question is whether you’re willing to pay it.

Ratings: 5/5

I enjoy reading Ruskin Bond. I am sitting in my room, sunny and hot summer of Dubai, and reading about the Indian monsoon and mesmerizing about the rain. That is the magic of Ruskin Bond.

The book has a series of short stories, most of which seem to have happened in real. The stories are of Lansdowne and Mussoorie, where Ruskin enjoys living and writing.

I was born in a small town in Bihar. The month of monsoon brings so many memories back to me. It feels am back home enjoying the weather via the author's narrative.

If you grew up in India, enjoyed its seasons, and are currently locked in an air conditioner with limited seasons, you should read the book and revive your past.

The book talks about David Ogilvy's journey in the advertising world. It's a short 150-page book with lots of wisdom that even holds today. I can resonate some advice with building an organization, and culture, treating customers and brands.

I liked the part where he speaks about his commandments in advertising.

Commandments of good advertising:

1. What you say is more important than how you say it.

2. If your campaign is not built around a great idea it will flop.

3. Give the facts

4. You cannot bore people into buying.

5. If you are lucky enough to write a good advertisement, repeat it until it stops pulling,

6. Never write an advertisement that you would not like your family to read.

7. Be well mannered and don’t be a clown.

8. Make your advertisement contemporary.

9. The committee can criticize advertising but they cannot write it.

10. The image and the brand

11. Don’t be a copycat

I got to know about this book from Ashish. He has been our guide in the journey of building my startup.

The book Unposted Letters by Mahatria Ra is a short collection of his thoughts on many subjects ranging from life, love, work, relationships, and friendship. I liked his shares because I could completely relate to them. I felt like reading Jiddu Krishnamurti in much simple and dissected form. 

Another thing that will make most of us read and think about the subjects the author has pointed out is modern world miseries. The pain of working with a team or manager you don't like. About your actions, thoughts, and consciousness. 

The content of the writing is a mixture of philosophy and management 101. I would recommend every entrepreneur friend to pick up this book and read it with ease. It's a small book and can be finished in a single sitting. 

The Heart of India by Mark Tully is my second pick from the same author. This book carries short stories from western Uttar Pradesh. I could relate to most of it as I have spent my childhood in Bihar. The author brings the deep-rooted caste system, feudalism, politics, and religion into these stories.  

Reading these short stories makes me feel not much has changed in our country. We are still fighting over caste and religion. Our politicians are still winning elections and dividing us, and government employees are still sucking our blood passing the files.

One area where we have progressed is the emergence of technology. The mobile phone revolution has definitely made us more aware. At the same time, with time, we are witnessing women in our society getting better represented.   

Brad Jacobs is a seasoned entrepreneur. He shares his learning in the book by building multiple companies and taking it public. His first company in logistics: "XPO Inc." went public, and he took two other companies public. 

Brad Jacobs's circle of competence is logistics, and his life went building companies into the domain. The book mentions high and low a typical entrepreneur goes after taking the company public. 

What I most liked about the book as a founder is: 

1. Aggressive: keep an aggressive target and chase it. Don't be fearful. 

2. Team: team matters more than anything else. A team builds a company.

3. Incentive: You have to ensure every single member of the team is motivated to follow the company's vision. 

4. Process: a well-defined process is a key to running a big organization. From hiring interviews to appraisals to others.

5. Leadership: create leaders within, mentor, and inspire them to lead. 

It's a short read and can be finished in a few hours. 

The fish that ate the whale is a classic rags to riches story which is foundational to the American dream, even today. It’s the story of Sam the Banana Man - a young man with nothing, who started by trading freckled bananas for next to nothing to make something of his life. It is the neediest who go the farthest. Sam was a perpetual hustler, who would do it just to prove that it can be done. With his hard work and business acumen, he ended up becoming THE banana man, with hundreds of thousands of acres of banana plantations under his control. A tough man with a tough job in a tough market. Although forgotten as a speck in the history of time, his life makes for an interesting story.

With vast lands under his control in banana-growing countries, he became the most important man in Central America. Banks fail, women leave, but land lasts forever. In banana-growing countries, he made the rules. The rules were to be followed by the rule-makers too. He toppled governments to gain concessions. He could be shrewd, but he could also be naive sometimes. He wasn’t weak. He grew to be on the top of the banana trade, heading United Fruits - one of the first true global corporations for the time.

While most don’t remember Sam today, those who do remember him in the negative sense - exploitation of workers and manipulation of local governments for their own benefit. It is all true. Maybe he did not realise the human cost of his advancement until too late, maybe didn’t think of it at all. Things used to work that way in those times. If not for cheap labour, would banana trade have been possible? He did not set these rules, there were banana men before him. It was a game of slim margins, high volumes. He was not great man. He did what he did to amass wealth.

Later in his life, he aligned himself with important causes that made him feel alive - particularly education and especially, the formation of Israel. It is said that he was instrumental in tipping the votes of the small southern countries in favour of Israel at the UN. He passed away at 84, donating the precious residence Audubon Place to the Tulane University. He never sought to be remembered.

I like going through the reminisce of our past. Ruskin Bond, Satyajit Ray, and many others have a special place in my reading list. I still wonder how India would have been in its early days of Independence or Pre-Independence. So when Dhanvi gave me this book, I got hooked on it. I was not aware of Mark Tully before.   

"Mark Tully, the author, is the former Bureau Chief of BBC, New Delhi, a position he held for 20 years. He worked with the BBC for 30 years before resigning in July 1994. 

He is the recipient of several awards. He has written nine books."  -- Wikipedia  

This book is a collection of seven short stories from the early days of India, where the caste system, poverty, politics, and Illiteracy were more prevalent. The author has picked most stories revolving around the caste system and poverty. 

I liked the story where the son returns from Britain to cement his father's constituency after his death, only to know that the party gave it to another politician. His urge to join politics, kick sitting MLA, and visit the village, asking about development. At last, moving back to the luxury of Britain, realising politics is not for him. 

Reading these stories makes you more humble and happy, as how far we have come from our past. I have bought two more titles and will share my review. 

It is well known that what is know is minuscule when compared to what we don’t know. Our understanding of the world around us is restricted to what has been proven by science and logic. But here are objects and phenomenons that haven’t been decoded yet.  Amongst them, are illnesses that we don’t know much about - what causes them, what cures them and how to help those who’re affected by them. 

The author of this book Julie, is one of the unlucky ones to be hit by an illness which is lesser known. The prevailing science hasn’t quite understood the root cause of it conclusively, and how to cure it or if it can be cured is a mystery yet to be solved. Sometimes, the illness leaves her completely paralyzed for hours at an end. Sometimes, it causes her insurmountable pain. This book narrates the personal journey of Julie as she battles with this illness, often alone, all by herself. Whenever possible, she tries to be optimistic and upbeat, trying to find logical solutions to manage her illness. Alone, with no support from family or insurance money (since insurance doesn’t cover this), she tries to keep up with her job remotely while learning to create a happy life, in the restricted environment levied upon by her circumstances. At once, in desperaton and anxiousness about having no one to support her when she’s in the worst of her phases, she tries to train her pet doggo to act as a caretaker. Lucky lady that she is, it doesn’t come down to that, and she finds John, a handsome man, who accepts her for who she is and supports her unconditionally. On this journey of trying to overcome her illness, she tries out multiple solutions, whether scientifically-backed or not, keeping her ’science-writer’ skepticism aside. Some of these solutions actually end up working for her. Faith has some role to play. She ends up concluding that science has done good for the world - but at the end of the day resources go towards funding research for illnesses that benefit insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies while the rest remain resource-starved. Julie has done her bit for such patients succumbing to unknown illnesses through writing about  them in major dailies such as New York Times and Guardian. She continues battling her illness today, but in a much more sustained and managbale way, thanks to her gumption to try out various things in search of what heals her. 

This book teaches us many things - 

• Our mind and body are intricately interwined. Your mind’s reaction to stimulus received from the body does play a part in the severity of the illness as you experience it.

• Optimism may not be the solution, but it does take you one step closer to finding it.

• You’ll one day, find a wholesome life partner, who accepts you fully and unconditionally. Never settle for anything less than that.

Ratings:5/5

The author is the son of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first mountaineers to climb Mount Everest. The book is a personal account of the writer's expedition and the hardship the sherpa community faces during the climbing season.

It is one of the few books that touch the community of sherpas and speaks about their rituals and religion, beliefs about Mount Everest, and tales from their forefathers. The Tibetan name is Chomolungma. It means Mother Goddess of the World.

Jamling Tenzing Norgay was part of the 1996 Everest IMAX expedition. The hardship and competition among other members and other groups are also detailed.

The mountain makes you more connected to yourself and brings you closer to yourself. I will be biased, but I could resonate so much with the author and his spiritual journey during the trip. The author followed the path of his father while climbing Everest.

The Sherpas are the lifeline of Nepali mountaineering and Himalayan expeditions. They are brave, respectful and honest. With time, the commercialization of trekking has made them rich, but for some, it has also affected their faith. The money ended up taking precedence.

Dopahri is a short story of Amma Bi, a widow married to a family of nawab. It's about her old age, lonely life, and longing for people she could talk to. She has sons who live abroad. She has relatives staying far away.

As we grow old, we crave more attention. We need people around we can talk to and share our wisdom. In the case of Amma Bi, it was Jumman, the household help who was closer to her and whom she showered her love, anger, and tantrums.

It was a hallucination or her daydream; every afternoon at precisely 3 o'clock, she heard the sound of unknown footsteps. Only to find out there is no one.

Her loneliness takes her to an old-age-home visit, only to find out that people there are in much worse condition, Jumman to blame for it.

As luck had it, Amma Bi's life changed with the entrance of a young woman named Sabiha as her tenant. Their relationship with time changes and ends up more like mother-daughter, where Amma Bi's skill, talent, and connections result in Sabiha finishing the contract of toys.

The story is a good reminder that old age has more to offer than what our society thinks. The love, empathy, anger, and tantrums also come with the experience and attachments of our elders to us. We are slowly and slowly getting away from them because of migration to the metro or outside India.

I liked Pankaj Kapur as an actor. I now also like him as an author. I hope to watch this book as a play sometime soon.

PS: Thanks to Dhanvi for making me read and gifting this.

He's been called the "King of Wall Street," the "Prince of Darkness," and, most simply, "The King." Stephen Schwarzman, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of The Blackstone Group, has built a financial empire unlike any other. From his early days on Wall Street to his perch atop one of the world's largest private equity firms, Schwarzman's story is a tapestry woven with ambition, deal-making brilliance, and no small amount of controversy.

Born in Philadelphia in 1947, Schwarzman's ambition was evident early. He started a lawn-mowing business as a teenager, honed his intellect at Yale (Skull and Bones, no less), and parlayed his Harvard MBA into a coveted position at Lehman Brothers. There, he met Peter Peterson, and together, in 1985, they founded Blackstone. What began as a mergers and acquisitions boutique soon morphed into a private equity powerhouse, with Schwarzman at the helm, wielding his formidable deal-making skills.

Blackstone's success is undeniable. Under Schwarzman's leadership, the firm has grown into a behemoth, managing over $991 billion in assets. He masterfully navigated the complexities of private equity, leveraging debt to buy undervalued companies, restructuring them, and then selling them for hefty profits. This strategy, while generating massive returns for investors, has also drawn criticism for exacerbating income inequality and saddling companies with significant debt.

One of the most notable anecdotes from Schwarzman's career at Blackstone is the firm's audacious acquisition of Hilton Worldwide in 2007. Despite skepticism from industry observers, Schwarzman saw potential where others saw risk. Through meticulous planning and strategic execution, Blackstone successfully acquired Hilton for $26 billion, marking one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history. Another noteworthy deal masterminded by Schwarzman was Blackstone's acquisition of Equity Office Properties in 2007. Recognizing the opportunity presented by the commercial real estate market, Schwarzman orchestrated a $39 billion deal to acquire Equity Office, solidifying Blackstone's position as a dominant player in the real estate sector. Schwarzman's deal-making prowess was further exemplified in Blackstone's acquisition of Biomet in 2007. In a complex transaction valued at $10.9 billion, Schwarzman led Blackstone in acquiring the orthopedic device manufacturer, leveraging the firm's expertise in healthcare investments to unlock value and drive growth.

Beyond these headline-grabbing deals, Schwarzman's leadership during the global financial crisis of 2008 showcased his resilience and strategic acumen. While many firms faltered, Blackstone navigated the tumultuous economic landscape with aplomb, seizing opportunities amid the chaos and emerging stronger than ever.

Schwarzman's legacy is complex. He's lauded for his business acumen, but criticized for his influence, wealth, and perceived coziness with politicians. Whether he's the "King of Capital" ushering in a new era of financial innovation or a titan whose power needs curbing, one thing is certain: Stephen Schwarzman's impact on the private equity and LBO markets cannot be overstated. Schwarzman's entrepreneurial spirit, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern finance. As he continues to steer Blackstone into the future, Schwarzman's contributions to the industry are sure to endure for generations to come.

This book provides a balanced view on the workings of Blackstone and how Schwarzman and his peers steered the company through diverse market environments.

Ratings: 3/5

For a change, I picked a book on the ethnographic importance of human civilization. The book talks about the importance of alcohol in the creation of society.

In the current society where alcohol is killing us slowly or at rage, this book has a different take. The author cites the mechanization of alcohol making as a reason for the current civilization's destruction.

The author has cited many examples of the past: the Inca Empire to the Hans, Egyptians, and the Romans. It cites civilization grew over alcohol. Those days, hunters and gathers got used to drinking fermented fruits, mazes, and other grains. As time changed, more and more social formation started happening over alcohol over many centuries.

One of the advantages of alcohol is it opens up. You can be free to express yourself and your views. In the army, newer cadets get to drink unlimited nights before entry.

The same goes in Japan, where the team hangs out in the evening at the bar, has no seniority, opens up, and talks.

In countries like Japan and China, business meetings happen over alcohol. I was there to witness the same. People open up more, express and observe each other intoxicated. In short, we are more naked and speak as we want to.

Ratings: 5/5

Swami Kriyananda has shared his everyday living quotes ranging from life to work. It is a book with daily quotes reminding us about the life one should live. Our modern life and unlimited wants are making us go nuts. 

I finished reading it. I could relate to most of the sayings. I am adding some of the quotes I liked. 

1. Your reactions to events are more important in your life than the events themselves. 

2. Assuming that you really do want others to listen to you, show them the respect of listening to them first- of hearing what they have to say.

3. Watch your reactions to others. If you see in anyone some quality that attracts you, try to develop it in yourself. 

4. The secret of earthy happiness is to flow gracefully with change.

5. Concentrate on your present commitments, don't dwell regretfully on the past. failures. Your life will keep on improving if, at this very moment, you do your very best.

6. More important even than love, in your behavior towards others, are your respect and loyalty. 

7. Life asks of us many compromises. Make sure only that you adapt the compromises to your principles, and never your principles to any compromise. 

8. Don't try to impress others with your cleverness. Win them, rather, by your sincerity. 

9. See every problem as an opportunity. Whenever you demolish the obstacles before you, your power for ultimate victory will increase.

10. Be grateful always to others, to life, to god. Express appreciation for everything. 

11. Forgive others, and life itself will forgive you. 

12. Accept others as they are, and you'll attract supportive friends whenever you go.

13. Acceptance is the first step towards overcoming heartbreak and disappointment. Suffering always arises from wishing that things were other than they are. 

14. If you want to enjoy life, take yourself less seriously. 

15.  To develop concentration, do one thing at a time, and do it well. 

16. To overcome the temptation to tell tales about others, tell good ones about yourself.