Book Review 2026.01: Art Experience, (1954), Hardbound 83 pages, January 19, 2026 It is not often that you can say a book is worth its weight in gold. I am sure most readers of this book will concur with me that an exception can be made for this short book of 83 pages that delves deep into the rarely explored topic of aesthetic experience through the lens of Indian philosophy. While the lens used is of Indian philosophy, the value …
Author: Shankar Jaganathan
Personal Exploration: From the year 2023, I have written book reviews that summarise my learnings from the books I have read. In 2026, I decided to write down my understanding on certain key concepts for self-reflection and refinement of my learnings. I am sharing this with interested readers for you to critique my understanding and help me refine my learnings. Thank you for your time and support. Personal Exploration -1 Understanding Values, January 15, 2026 ‘We are the sum of …
Book Review 2025.19: The Gifts of Imperfection, (2010), Hardbound 167 pages, November 25, 2025 This book was a gift I received after a talk I delivered at a corporate event and not a book that I choose to read. Having got it, I decided to read as I wanted a different experience of reading something that I had not selected myself. Reading this book made me introspect and identify a few of my short comings. It was a timely …
Book Review 2025.18: The Seven Arts of Change, (2010), Hardbound 177 pages, November 10, 2025 In my four-decade corporate experience and five-decade personal adult life, I have been intrigued by why change initiatives are unsuccessful. Despite clear and pressing need, and significant investments the desired change does not happen. Browsing through this book in the shop, I saw glimpses in it that had the potential to answer this lingering question prompting me to buy it. Having read it, I can …
Book Review 2025.17: The Art of Creative Thinking, (2007), Paperback 127 pages, November 6, 2025 On a trip to Hyderabad last month, I indulged in one of my favorite pass times of browsing through book-stores. For a book lover, Abids on Sundays is a delightful feast for you get to see a wide range of books on display on the pavement. Sold at price pleasing to the pocket, the only constraint is your storage. This is one of the three …
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Book Review 2025.16: The Quest After Perfection, (1952), Paperback 146 pages, October 15, 2025 I don’t know what made me pick up this thin book during my book browsing haunts, but I am delighted to have picked it. With most books, I feel happy as I near completion, however this book left me with a tinge of sadness as I neared completion as I realized my session with Prof. Hiriyanna is ending. How I wish I had been his student …
The Long Journey Ahead, 14 10 2025 I wonder often why I don’t do what is right. How can I consciously ignore the right path and step on the wrong one despite knowing it. I found the answer when I came across the contrast between jnana or knowledge that is hearsay, and vijnana which is experiential knowledge. In other words, jnana can turn into vijnana when it is experienced and is internalized to becomes intuitive. Intuitive knowledge is seen not …
Six Stages to Acceptance Progress can also be viewed as accepting the new, be it ideas, offerings or environment. Often this acceptance is not immediate or voluntary for habits or comfort of the familiar is tough to discard. While with minor changes the distinct stages of progress may not be visible, with major changes it is easy to see these six stages in both individuals and organizations as they respond to new ideas, people, or challenges. Each stage can be …
Nature vs Nurture Debate? 12 10 2025 For long I have been intrigued by the nature vs. nurture debate. Are qualities like leadership, character, dedication and talent inborn abilities or can they be cultivated? The Greek Philosopher Plato believed in the concept of innate knowledge and the soul as the vehicle for this transmission. On the other hand, thinkers like John Locke and Jean Rousseau believed human mind is tabula rasa, i.e. a blank slate. The qualities individuals acquire are …
Emotions Ignite, 11 10 2025 Risk is a captivating topic. I am fascinated by why some embrace risk, while others shun it. My personal experience with smoking and investing gave me some insights into both. After I stopped smoking, I began to wonder how intelligent and sane individuals can smoke despite knowing that it is a proven health hazard. Likewise, I wonder why I choose a conservative investing style for the last two decades despite seeing the crazy bull market …
Anatomy of A Conflict Conflicts are the spice of life, taking many shapes and sizes, ranging from wars fought by nations to boardroom battle for control, and disputes between friends and family members. In measured servings it flavors our lives and sharpens our edges to develop and grow. However, an excess dose or a chronic conflict can be stressful, hampering our lives. Finding the source of a conflict is the key to its resolution. Conflicts could emerge from any one …
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