Learn how outer order can spell peace for your inner calm and productivity; Read a translated love story that travelled from Persia to medieval Kashmir and eventually to the modern day; And finally, flick through the words of wisdom of some of the greatest business minds, including Azim Premji and JRD Tata.
'Outer Order Inner Calm' by Gretchen Rubin
A messy desk, crowded closet or jumbled-up handbag may seem like a trivial problem, yet getting control of the stuff of life makes it easier to feel in control of our lives generally. That's the basic premise of happiness and human nature writer Gretchen Rubin's latest novel, which summed in a nutshell sermonises that outer order leads to inner calm.
In its introduction, the author has offered five stages for establishing outer order. First, we make choices – what possessions to keep and what to do with them. Once we've cleared through our things, we create order by organising, repairing, and attending to neglected areas. Next, we reflect on ourselves, to know ourselves, and others, so that we can take those individuals insights into account. Then, once the clutter is vanquished, it's useful to cultivate helpful habits to maintain that order, so the clutter doesn't return. The fifth and the final step is to add beauty to to make out surrounding more inviting and comfortable.
'A Tale of Wonder' by Srivara
This book is a translation of the Sanskrit verse epic 'Kathakautukam', written by the poet-scholar Srivara in 15th century Kashmir.
It's historical roots go back to the Persian poem 'Yusuf wa Zuleikha'. The story of Yusuf is recounted both in Holy Quran, as also in the Holy Bible, as Joseph. Zuleikha is not mentioned in the holy scriptures but in the early Persian poem, which where she has come to 'Kathakautukam, and eventually to the translated book in our hands.
How their story pans out remains a matter of reading and interpretation. The translation has been done by Aditya Narayan Dhairyasheel (A N D)
'Achievement: The Greatest Business Minds on Success'
'Achievement' condenses and compiles words of wisdom from some of the world's greatest business minds.
Henry Ford writes about his journey, from being an engineer at Edison's electricity company to revolutionising the automobile industry. J R D Tata shares his 'golden rules' for success. Azim Premji, the czar of the Indian IT industry, stresses the importance of hard work, humility and taking charge of your destiny, to list a few.