Book review: Take less. Do more

Take less. Do more, by Glen Van Peski. This book is presented as the ultimate secret of happy bagpacking from an ultralight bagpacker.
As I was hoping, the book is full of hard-earned wisdom and valuable advice, which appears in fifteen lessons. The first one about gaining a good perspective and how, wilderness does it best, acted as a strong invitation for the rest of the book. Next one is about carrying less, where the author thinks through bagpacking in greater detail. Followed by lessons that tell, how, simple acts of kindness and generosity can be transformative if not life saving, and how, giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. A successful backpacking trip is the outcome of a lot of preparation as well as personal values like generosity and relationships with others, further lessons teach. What comes next is a very good lesson. If after all these you fail, do not worry, there are ways to make use of a failure by learning from it.
Not stopping with the lessons, the book also boasts of a list of necessities and essentials for such trips, added as an appendix.
This is an interesting book that covers all sides of bagpacking. The philosophy of “take less, do more” shall doubly benefit all those who venture into this. An easy journey, since there is less to carry, and a happier journey, since there are more activities of fun. These lessons are appealing and delectably written, inviting us to stay open to new adventures.

A Way to A Lifestyle

To Err, Our Lifestyle?

Man follows a lifestyle that offers abundant opportunities for making errors. Man also does not have a ‘signature’ lifestyle, unlike all other varieties of life. I therefore think, we need to find a new lifestyle for ourselves, killing both the issues with one stone.

I have this uncomfortable feeling. It seems, we humans are going to continue for ever, our propensity to commit errors. This is because, we successfully managed to avoid not only the guilt feelings about it, but also the sense of inferiority in comparison to the rest of life who does not commit any errors, by proclaiming, 'to err is human'. In addition to this, we are, in fact, benefiting from errors, as it provides us with another good excuse to extricate ourselves from anything uncomfortable.

We Continue Thus

How did we reach this state? How come, unlike all the others ones of the living kingdom, human landed up with a tendency for errors? Of course, it is continuing to be so, since we do not notice it. Remember, we are all encouraged to be proud of our 'unique' ability to learn from mistakes. So, rather than the mistake that should have been calling for a correction (of the mistake as well as the tendency to make one), our full and undivided attention is grabbed by its potential to teach us something. Also, as a result, we humans shall never get an opportunity to wonder why, we are like that.

Why?

This brings up a challenge. We need to find the Root Cause of all that is Wrong.

It is not at all difficult to find a unique reason for all that is wrong, if we look at things objectively. Now, for an objective view, we need to have a thorough idea about all that goes into all. Towards which, for ease of study and for better understanding, we can divide all the things that happen into three different planes. One consisting of nonliving matter, one consisting of all kinds of living matter other than the human, and one exclusively of the human.

As far as things that takes place in the nonliving world, nothing ‘wrong’ can happen. All that is happening can be analyzed as reactions, either to the event that is happening, or to something else. When we come to the things that happen with living matter except ourselves, again, there is no scope for errors. Here also, all that is happening can be appreciated or analyzed as reactions, either to the action that triggered it, or to something else. Lastly, when we come to those that pertain exclusively to the human domain also, all the happenings can be analyzed as nothing else but reactions. Where, such reactions are almost always triggered by, external input, internal responses, abstract convictions, or a mix of all these.

Critically Examine Errors

Given that we are intellectually oriented ones who will not miss an opportunity to think, a complete analysis of the above scenario and formulation of a plan of action would not have posed an issue. Just as all forms of life find answers to all their issues, we with our superior intelligence would have easily been decimating even more complex challenges.

But, we keep adding certain variable as well as constant elements that have the potential to rate these reactions or make abstract groupings, like acceptable, reprehensible, or heavenly. Now, rather than the original event or response that led to the reaction, what matters to us becomes such variables and related abstractions, and it channels our thought. Now, issues constantly develop in areas that happen to be away from the current channel or the domain of interest, neither noticed nor attended by any. (Incidentally, this answers a commonly expressed refrain. Why, the most intelligent of all life forms is the one that is constantly plagued by issues. They successfully happen to have their full attention directed to such areas that are rather issue-free. We notice and react to an issue only when it becomes impossible to neglect the same.)

So, what is happening is, in the first two planes, everything take place in an appropriate way. And in the last plane, it doesn’t happen so. However, not only that the inappropriateness will never get noticed, but also those variables enable us to celebrate the very same happenings, many a time with abandon. Hadn’t it been so, some of us would have been noticing it and prescribing a cure, bringing an ultimate end to the ‘violent human society’ itself.

Error is an Inseparable Part?

Is this a design fault? Yes, it is a possibility. But, it is highly improbable, given the immaculate and perfect ambience that we can find in all the affairs of life, be it with plants or animals. As a result of which, we constantly see, appropriate things are only happening with every form of life. I also find, there is no reason for humans to be any different.

But, the reality is clearly different. Not only that there is nothing perfect in any aspect of human life, but also it calls for constant monitoring and an unceasing effort for improvement, if things are not to go from bad to worse.

Now, what can explain all this? As we have just established that there is no fault in our design, there is a fault likely in our way of doing things. I therefore think, we need to critically examine all that goes into all that we do. More so, for all that is distinctively human.

Why intelligent ones Err?

So, now, let us once again think about all that is distinctively human. I think, the above discussion more or less settles it. In comparison to all other varieties of life, two things stand out. One is error, or the propensity for committing a wrong. And the other one is another propensity, one for adding variable as well as constant elements that have the potential to rate all reactions or make abstract groupings, like acceptable, or reprehensible. And it seems, one is the direct result of the other one. Also, such abstract groupings act as a final stamp, eliminating all possibilities of a future scrutiny.

So, errors originate out of all that we term as distinctively human.

The Origin of Errors

Let me probe further. Now, from where does an error arise? What causes an error?

In fact, we can very well see this as the main difference between human and all the other forms of life. Also, we are already aware of this, I think. For, to explain this, we first define human as an intelligent form of life, and all the others, non-intelligent. Then we define, the propensity for making errors and learning from it, a sign of intelligence. I do not find this, especially the last part of it, making sense at all. And, notwithstanding the fact that humans consider themselves intelligent with a strong desire to learn, nobody is there to echo such a view. If this is not a difficult problem that is waiting for an answer, what is?

Mathematical Equivalent?

I think, getting an answer to all difficult problems begins with an analysis of the mathematical equivalent of each. In the case of scientifically represent-able ones, such an equivalence is explicitly invoked. In all other cases, a successful solution to an issue depends on how well, one identifies, reprograms, or optimizes, the mathematical relationships that are implicit in it. Here also, we should try the same.

A mathematical equivalent can be made rather easily for all that is done by every form of life other than the human. Which will be a collection of equations, a few of which may even have imaginary terms. One side of such equations can very well represent a trigger, while the other side accounting for the reaction. Analyzing triggers can enable one to predict responses, while a study of responses can throw much light on triggers.

Now, if this works well for all species of life but not for the 'unfathomable' human race, what could be the issue? Simple. Triggers and responses do not correspond to one another. Now, when can that happen? Well, that is easy. When the triggers, or the responses, or both, happen to lie outside its linear range of variation.

A Lifestyle is the Answer

Let me see what all we can do under such circumstances. Our approach to non living things as well as living things other than ourselves, should be able to show us a path. There, as one can easily make out, we struggle to bring some conformity between triggers and its responses. The traditional passive elements of electrical as well as mechanical systems, like inductors, capacitors, resistors, springs, or shock dampening mechanisms, aid in bringing such conformity by coming into action at a suitable juncture. Of late, as it is more prevalent now, we resort a different regime of operation, say digital, which can nullify the errors due to the variation of the nonconformity by making it functionally insignificant.

What can we learn here? As mentioned above, the ultimate issue facing the human race is, how to deal with both the triggers and the responses that lie outside its linear range of variation.

What can we do now? Ensure that we ignore all triggers as well as responses that happen to lie outside a specific range. Or consider, only those that lie within certain parameters.

Towards this, there is an immediate need for establishing such a range. Even more importantly, we need to develop a habit for overlooking all that is beyond such a range. It is even more convenient, if we accept this as the lifestyle of the race, which can be named as the digital lifestyle. Here, one takes note of all triggers and responses that fall within a specific range and act or react appropriately, while discarding all that falls beyond or below.

Err No More

This settles the challenge. We have more or less established a Root Cause for all that is Wrong. We have found the absence of a fitting lifestyle as the reason that contributes handsomely to all that is wrong, and proposed a fresh lifestyle. This lifestyle, one that can be termed, digital lifestyle, and an exclusive one for the human, can be derived over time, while we all proceed with our life in the manner specified in the previous paragraph.

Book Review: Bold Kindness

In Bold Kindness, Cathy Thorpe introduces to us, a better way of doing business. Where people neither feel the need to surpass, nor fear getting fired. And shall be their authentic selves.
In part 1, the book discusses the need for such an approach. How it helped the author to excel by continuously finding a better way, creativity and ingenuity of the team members coming out in full bloom. Part 2 explain the practical adaptation of these ideas. Rather than focusing too much on changing the team, think about the true driver of change: the team head. Also, how to instill a caring environment that fosters dedication. And part 3 describes, specific practices tried in those instances. How the central themes like 'Admire people, WOW customer experience, Find a better way, and Be passionate about making a difference' drove every decision. And cultivated a mindset of professionalism and personal accountability.
This book contains gems about mentoring, where managing happens effortlessly.

Book Review: Passion Struck

Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, by John R. Miles

The book begins by examining the salient features of what all could be termed as 'passion'. Anything that can lead one to one's full potential and intentionally create a life of one's dreams. Namely, power and versatility, originality, repurposing fears and anxieties, turning ideas into action, getting perfection out of flaws and weaknesses, and finally, charting a path to fulfilment. Chapters are then devoted for discussing different perspectives of each such topic in greater detail.

This book’s words reflect the wisdom of a life lived well and a wide canvas of experience. It will fit well for training future generations of leaders. How to deploy their passion and achieve peak performance regardless of their pursuit. Passion Struck is a framework for changing your life, and within the pages of this book, you hold the power to embark on a remarkable transformation. And, once you become passion struck, a life of growth and refinement shall continue to follow.

Issues and Corrections - A Look

A Life full of Issues

I am writing this in connection with a couple of questions that should have been arresting the attention of the thinkers among us, the most. One is, why is human society stuck to a path of self-destruction? Unless we take timely preventive or corrective action, all things go from bad to worse. And the other is, why is human life, so full of issues? Where lies the problem?

Issues lead to Corrections, and Corrections lead to Issues

I think, one peculiarity, a curious twist in our outlook, attitude, or mentality, though is widely known and well acknowledged, is yet to garner our undivided attention. Each of us need constant monitoring, especially, if something has to come from us in a flawless manner. For, unless closely monitored and reacted appropriately, not only that our current issues will worsen, but also, fresh ones will crop up. Also, more importantly, unless kept updated, the mechanism of monitoring itself becomes ineffective, very soon. Understandably, as a consequence, everywhere, the prevailing ambience of tranquility and discipline shall fade away soon, making the very identity of human society, one of turbulence. Of course, we are not unaware of this. There is nobody who does not feel that human way of life needs urgent correction. I too, agree, just as all our forefathers would have been doing all the time. So, every self-destructive path we happen to come to follow is, one intended to combat an issue. Obviously a such a path will create more issues than what it solves.

Have a glance at our history. There is no one who has not attained greatness, after suggesting a measure for improving the human. Also, having attained greatness, there is no one who did not propose a new path for making the human a better one. So, since the earliest of times, someone has been guiding and advising the human in correcting themselves. In spite of all these efforts, the issues persist. Why? Are we addressing the issues correctly? Or, is it an issue of not correctly identifying the issues to address? Either way, aren’t we correcting incorrectly, making, every issue we face as nothing but a correction that was done in the past!

Now, What is Incorrect?

At this juncture, the first question that comes to me is this. What do we do when we recognize or consider something as an issue that requires attention? Presently, and since long, our approach to this question involves a few steps. One, classify and name the issues that are found, imaginatively and with relevance to the current times. Two, accord priorities and formulate corrective action, and direct our efforts in accordance with those. Three, widely disseminate the results, and let all people derive all the benefits from all of the above.

I agree, we are more or less successful in liquidating the issues that arise, especially those belonging to the world of the nonliving. Quite logically, we continue in the same manner in other areas too, and, if necessary, with added vigor. Thus, the same is the approach we entertain, when we encounter an issue with any living entity. Now, if we are not able to derive success with comparable ease, when the issue pertains to ourselves, what is the first suspect? Naturally, we ourselves, or the approach we take while addressing issues.

Look closer. Almost every right-thinking individual has been finding something wrong with us and suggesting remedial measures. Not only that we diligently incorporate all those suggestions, wherever we can, but also shape our future generations to accommodate these, and much more, in their lives. However, neither has anyone, ever questioned our approach, nor was there any investigation or assessment in that direction. (And, since we constantly shout with all our might, human style of doing things is unique and the best, we may not get at all, an opportunity to notice it.)

I therefore think, there is no fault with us. And, there is a lot of it, as far as our approach go. To make this idea a bit more clear, let me re-examine all that takes place with an issue.

The Mistake, We Missed

Again, look closely. Every issue shall continue to appear to one as a new one, including the ones that would have been persisting for long. Agree, all of those shall be dealt with, perhaps for the full satisfaction of the current generation. The propensity to persist shall continue unaddressed, and the issue shall be reappearing soon. Then we take the issue into account, but as another fresh one. The current generation of humans devote their time and effort to address the issue, and it goes on. But, we do not register the fact that there are far too many new issues at all times, since we already reached a conclusion that human race is a violent one. And, taking pride in our unique position among all forms of life, we let all those fresh issues intimidate us. (Interestingly, we take a lot of interest and struggle incessantly till we solve an issue for good, if it affects other forms of life as well.) As a result, the persistence of issues do not get the attention it deserves.

And, Blind Correction Worsens It

Yes, we are taking great efforts to identify and pin down an issue that we recognize as one. And we are leaving no stone unturned in finding effective remedies to all of those. We are also according the highest status to those of us who spend their time and effort in finding answers, naming them as holy men, saints, or other leaders of great worth.

Still, these persist, and our society remains as unruly as ever. Why? Why should human society be indifferent to a remedy? Quite in contrast, in all other areas, be it of lifeless objects, or living ones other than ourselves, each remedy we adopt, delivers a result. Otherwise, we institute new remedies. Effectively, every such encounter re-validates our position as intelligent beings.

But, in our own case, either the remedy is wrong or unsuitable, or we are applying it improperly. Also, no other form of life is facing an issue like this, and, each of those is able to find necessary solutions to problems that arise. Disregarding this, we nonchalantly continue repeating the same remedy. Effectively, every encounter from the social angle undermines our position as intelligent beings.

So, Our Cure Needs a Cure!

Let us think of our remedy. Each of us is constantly bombarded by a stream of remedial measures, be it from the political bosses, theological stalwarts, literary greats, or those embracing other areas like science. It looks highly unlikely that all those remedial measures will simultaneously turn incorrect.

Now, let us think of our style of application of remedy. One thing immediately strikes me. Though each remedy may be far different from the other one, we administer all of those in the same manner, which is quite unlike it is in all other areas of both animate and inanimate objects.

So, in a casual glance, one thing emerges from the above. We need to analyze the whole gamut of remedy, especially its application, with a fresh mind. Should the whole gamut of remedy be the same, when we deal with inanimate objects, and those with life? Should it be the same for humans and non-humans? Also, should it be the same, whatever be the issue?

I think, our current idea about these things is that it is the same. Also, same was our idea, so far. Which can be summarized broadly as sequential execution of three independent steps. Namely, identification of issue, analysis and making a plan of action, and conclusion or implementation of the plan. And, it is where, the fault lie. We should be following different ways and means to address and correct the issues in each of these areas, namely, inanimate objects, animate objects other than the human, and the human. Interestingly, for everything other than correcting issues, like teaching, communicating, or relaxing, we adopt differing styles and techniques for each of those areas.

I agree, the ‘time tested’ approach of solving issues, the one consisting of identification, analysis, and conclusion, is doing exceedingly well, as far as our foray into the non-living world go. We also have not been able to notice any shortcoming in it, as far as all forms of life other than the human go. (If we start looking for shortcomings, situation need not be the same!) But, when it comes to the human, we have been finding plenty of shortcomings. However, we continue with the same approach, a couple of peculiarities being there that makes us overlook all shortcomings. One is, without any qualm, every time we meet a roadblock, we use the same approach with added viguor. Where that does not work, we quietly amend our aims and ambitions. If we are still left with shortcomings, we change the remedy, though it would have been working wonders, everywhere else. And we rationalize all this, saying, man is a unique form of life.

So, the conclusion one can reach is this. Humans are successful in their attempts to find and rectify issues. When that is about the issues about themselves, since the method rectification is incorrect, there is no success. If this does not lead us to a destructive outcome, what else will it do?

My Cure – Correct Correctly

So, it is more or less imperative that we now pay attention to what we have been ignoring all along. Namely, as mentioned before, the persistence of issues. We know, each of the cures we have amassed over the past, address specifically an issue. And, none of those consider the peculiarities, preferences, or compulsions, of those at the receiving end of the cure. Consequently, cures will not function well, at least, not as good as it does in the nonliving world.

Therefore, similar to the ‘time tested’ approach of identification, analysis, and a conclusion that includes both the incorporation and appreciation of correction, we need to formulate a distinct approach for solving issues that arise in the living world, especially that of humans.

Why do issues persist? Just as there could be some peculiarity with an issue that makes it persist, there could be something untoward in the way an issue is dealt with, which might be making it persist.

I agree, we are successful in tackling the issues we face, as far as the nonliving world go, and also for all the living ones other than ourselves. In both the cases, while deciding on the appropriateness of our effort, not only that we think of the receiving end of the correction, but also, we think of the receiving end’s appreciation of the correction. Or, we think on behalf of both the correcting and the receiving ends. We cannot, and we do not seek the opinion of the receiving end, before applying a correction or remedy. Effectively, we are following the same style, while tackling issues that pertains to the human.

A Suggestion -

My doubt is, firstly, are we addressing the issues correctly? And, is there an issue of not identifying correctly, the issues to address? Secondly, shouldn’t a correction have a life? For, isn’t it well known? If we continue with a correction even after neutralizing the original cause that led to it, it could lead to a new issue. We need to devise a fresh approach to face and correct the issues that arise in the domain of the human.

I mentioned at the start of this paper, every self-destructive path we happen to come to follow is, one that was intended to combat an issue. Presumably, every issue was solved, as we are intelligent ones from the very beginning. Notice, had we been giving due credence it and reverted to a suitable path, perhaps the one that was the one prior to the very genesis of the issue, our life would have been flowing again in a normal way. But we disregarded all this. We rarely made an attempt to identify and find the link between paths and issues and adopt a suitable one. As a result, effectively, we have always been continuing merrily with a random path. Naturally, fresh issues will develop. All this points to the need of a unique lifestyle, which will direct our life to an appropriate path at all times.

Book Review: Valuepreneurs

Valuepreneurs by Steve Waddell is a book full of answers. It begins by listing the challenges faced by a new business or a new product, and suggests ways to garner fresh ideas to counter those. How to integrate such gems to make a competitive business model, prototype, or patent, and launch those to market. The book discusses various issues like crowdfunding, while describing ways to meet capital needs. It also has a professional discussion about turning a startup into a company and overcoming the roadblocks that arise. This covers all that is essential for any entrepreneur looking to bring a new product to the market.

I find in this book, an experienced product development professional who is ready to help inventor-entrepreneurs. The step-by-step process flow details, comprehensive instructions, insider tips, and real-life examples are quite valuable. Friendly narration and a logical flow of ideas set this book well apart.

Book Review: Science Communication in a Crisis

Science Communication in a Crisis: An Insider’s Guide by Christopher Reddy. This is a work that try to address the challenges that scientists face when communicating. It examines the problem of navigating a maze of competing interests, while delivering actionable science. The author lists here, the challenges that are of grave importance to science communication, grouping all of those into ten different heads. Each group is covered in a chapter that focuses on the specific issues that could arise, and recommend a list of solutions.

I find in the author, a leader in the study of marine pollution. This book explores several high-profile case studies that caused serious damages to the marine environment, like oil spills, for presenting firm ideas about effective and collaborative exchanging and manipulation of data. I am sure, this book will be a great resource for junior and established scientists for sharpening their vision. And also for students in courses such as environmental and science communication.