Unleashing the Power of “Visionary Thinking”: A Captivating Book Review of Ashish Jaiswal’s Insightful Work by Sambit Mishra
Spanning across 3 distinct segments and 14 chapters, this book commences with an insightful chapter that pays homage to remarkable figures like Elon Musk, Bertrand Russell, and the intriguing concept of Universe 25. While Elon Musk’s persona and endeavors are widely documented, their inclusion in this book could have risked redundancy. Admirably, the author deftly sidesteps this potential pitfall, a subtlety that captivates my attention, particularly within this segment.
This initial section serves as a transparent window into the author’s overarching vision for the book and its thematic content. A shining example, the “Universe 25,” a manufactured microcosm intended to provide its inhabitants with every conceivable facet of happiness, eliminates the need for them to engage in the toils of basic survival. The underlying premise is thought-provoking. One envisions these inhabitants relishing a contented existence, unburdened by life’s rudimentary challenges. Visionaries, irrespective of their origins or disciplines, animate this narrative, forming a compendium that spans diverse backgrounds and spheres. Among them are luminaries like Richie Benaud, Sugar Ray Robinson, Peter Thiel, Walt Disney, Jack Ma, Sean Connery, Agrippa, Sage Agastya, Bruno, Carl Sagan, Jessica Alba, Satyajit Ray, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Edwin Land, Richard Dawkins, Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Larry King, and a host of others.
A central motif in the book addresses the veracity of happiness. It scrutinizes the commonly held notion that wealth and abundance inherently breed happiness, serving as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving — illuminating the truth behind the adage “All that glitters is not gold.” The author invokes Gloria Liou’s quote, attesting to his well-rounded erudition. References to works like “This is Silicon Valley” by Gloria Liou, “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge, and “The Plastic Mind” by Sharan Begley bolster the reader’s potential for further exploration of individuals, events, and topics.
A particularly captivating segment delves into the contrasting approaches of “painting” and “sketching” as applied to life’s multifaceted aspects. Within this discourse lies a poignant analysis of Nokia’s enigmatic downfall in the cellular market, a narrative that resonates with readers due to the ubiquitous rise and decline of this technological titan. This resonance extends to the author’s exploration of watching Netflix at varying speeds, a perspective that is astutely communicated.
“Xerox approach” and the conundrum of the “jackpot problem” surface as theories the book expounds upon. The former delineates a mindset wherein individuals mimic others’ actions and decisions without any original contemplation. The latter addresses the unexpected surge of success, a phenomenon experienced by many, and thoroughly examined by the author. This scrutiny dispels the notion that success can be easily achieved. A dedicated section centered on John Hubble, Edwin Hubble, and the Hubble Telescope amplifies the scientific dimension, as does the meticulous dissection of Walt Disney’s legacy and the storied history of Mickey Mouse. Within this exploration, the author candidly addresses the adversities that Walt Disney encountered. Paradoxically, soaring success exacerbated the challenges of transcending typecasting constraints.
This phenomenon frequently resonates in cinematic narratives — a successful artist or production team often seeks to replicate past triumphs, forsaking innovation for a proven trajectory. Both Bollywood and Hollywood struggle with breaking such moulds and the associated self-reinvention, a predicament afflicting actors across the spectrum.
For those with an inclination toward philosophical inquiry, the discourse on becoming a yogi and the dissection of the concept of Maya prove gratifying. The book navigates scientific waters when requisite, as evidenced by quotes like “A wormhole is a hypothetical tunnel connecting the space-time continuum” and the enlightening notion that “After every ten years, you are born again!” The author’s interpretation of “a traveller” is equally compelling.
In essence, a traveler is an individual who, despite contentment and ease within their familiar surroundings, remains unsatisfied by the quotidian landscape. This illuminating tome, a worthy compendium for those seeking visionary insight, traverses meaningful terrains. For aficionados of introspective reads, this book beckons — an indispensable companion for self-discovery and growth.
