NAVEEN NIVERTHY

AUTHOR, MARKETING & SALES LEADER, LIFE STRATEGIST

Think Better and Thrive. Step by Step.

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Health. Work. Love. Parenting. Spirituality.

  • Six Hard Truths About Modern Friendship

    Six Hard Truths About Modern Friendship

    Friendships are one of the most important aspects of our lives, but they’re not always easy. In her book Modern Friendship, Anna Goldfarb lays out six hard truths about modern friendships that can help us navigate these relationships with more understanding and grace. 1. Friends Will Disappoint You First and foremost, it’s crucial to accept that friends…

  • The Interplay Between Emotion and Reason: Lessons from Antonio Damasio’s Descartes’ Error

    The Interplay Between Emotion and Reason: Lessons from Antonio Damasio’s Descartes’ Error

    In life, we often face a challenging dilemma: should we trust our emotions or rely solely on logic and reasoning? Many of us have been taught to view emotions as irrational and potentially misleading, whereas reasoning is considered the hallmark of sound decision-making. But according to Antonio Damasio, a renowned neuroscientist, emotions are not only…

  • The Mystery of Consciousness

    The Mystery of Consciousness

    Experiencing Consciousness At its most basic level, the question of consciousness revolves around what makes sentient beings—like humans and animals—aware of their experiences. It’s widely accepted that the brain plays a crucial role in consciousness. For instance, when we see, hear, smell, or think, our brain is active. And if the brain is damaged, people…

  • Aristotle’s Guide to Happiness: Virtue, Wisdom, and Friendship

    In our previous discussion, we concluded that happiness is living a life of virtue. But this raises two important questions: What exactly is virtue, and how do we live according to it? What is Virtue? Aristotle believed that virtue is something we develop through habit. The Greek word for habit, “ethikē,” is where we get…

  • Aristotle’s Concept of Eudaemonia & the Highest Good

    Aristotle’s Concept of Eudaemonia & the Highest Good

    Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher, had a unique and complex view of what it means to live a good and fulfilling life, which he called “eudaimonia.” This concept is often translated as “flourishing” or “happiness,” but it’s more than just feeling happy—it’s about living a life that is truly excellent and meaningful. Aristotle believed that…

  • How to Disagree with Respect: Lessons from Spencer J. Cox’s TED Talk

    How to Disagree with Respect: Lessons from Spencer J. Cox’s TED Talk

    In his TED Talk, “How to Disagree with Respect — Not Hate,” Spencer J. Cox shares valuable insights on the importance of respectful disagreement and the preservation of democracy. He begins with a quote from Ronald Reagan, who became the governor of California in 1967. Reagan highlighted the fragility of freedom, stating, “Freedom is a…

  • Death and the Present Moment: Embracing Reality and Mindfulness

    Death and the Present Moment: Embracing Reality and Mindfulness

    In his speech “Death and the Present Moment,” Sam Harris tackles one of humanity’s biggest fears: death. He examines how the certainty of death is a major reason behind religious beliefs and contrasts this with atheism, which denies an afterlife. Harris’s goal is to challenge religious comfort and encourage a life based on reason, ethics,…

  • Cultivating Genuine Human Connection: Lessons from David Brooks

    Cultivating Genuine Human Connection: Lessons from David Brooks

    In an age where digital communication often overshadows personal interaction, David Brooks’ insights into human connection provide a crucial reminder of the importance of making others feel genuinely known and valued. His discourse on the art of interpersonal relationships underscores four fundamental skills: physical attention, creating a sense of freedom and space, delighting in others,…

  • David Brooks’ Speech: ‘World On Fire: The Root Causes of Populism, Authoritarianism and The Whole Global Mess’

    David Brooks’ Speech: ‘World On Fire: The Root Causes of Populism, Authoritarianism and The Whole Global Mess’

    In a compelling speech, David Brooks discusses a global shift towards pessimism, authoritarianism, and societal discontent, highlighting trends, providing an overview of the issues, and suggesting potential solutions. It’s essential to read and reflect on this to understand the deep-rooted societal issues, offering a critical perspective on rebuilding foundational values for a more resilient society.…

  • The Illusion of Self: A Meditation Insight

    The Illusion of Self: A Meditation Insight

    In our daily lives, we often experience a sense of aiming our attention, as if there is a “self” or a center of consciousness directing our focus. This perception can feel like a tangible, central entity that governs our awareness. However, through the practice of meditation, this perceived center can be revealed as an illusion.…

  • Understanding Consciousness: Insights from Anil Seth’s TED Talks

    Understanding Consciousness: Insights from Anil Seth’s TED Talks

    As someone deeply interested in the topic of consciousness, I was profoundly moved and enlightened by Anil Seth’s TED talks. These talks and his book, Being You, have become cherished resources in my journey to understand the nature of consciousness. My fascination with this topic also draws me towards spiritual wisdom traditions such as Vedanta and…

  • Unveiling ‘I am’: The Fundamental Sense of Existence

    Unveiling ‘I am’: The Fundamental Sense of Existence

    Is ‘I am’ a thought or feeling or cognition? The ‘I am’ or ‘aham vritti’ can be considered as a form of cognition, but it’s more than just a thought or a feeling. It’s a fundamental sense of existence or being.

  • The Connectedness Paradox: Why “More” Can Mean Less

    The Connectedness Paradox: Why “More” Can Mean Less

    We are deeply interconnected through social media and technology, yet paradoxically feel more isolated. The constant digital stimuli can desensitize us to real connection, leading to a yearning for deeper, authentic relationships. Spiritual retreats offer an opportunity to disconnect, rediscover inner peace, and foster genuine human connection, providing a solution to the connectedness paradox.

  • The Lies We Live By: Debunking Societal Myths with David Brooks

    I recently watched a 2019 TED talk by David Brooks titled ‘The lies our culture tells us about what matters — and a better way to live’ and found it quite intriguing. In this talk, David, a renowned columnist and author, invites us to confront the “lies” our society whispers, shaping our values and perceptions.…

  • Beyond the Ladder: Expanding Your Self, not Your Ego, in Work and Life

    We’re constantly bombarded with messages to “climb the ladder,” “hustle harder,” and “achieve more.” While striving for goals and self-improvement is valuable, the relentless pursuit of external validation can lead down a treacherous path: the inflation of the ego. But what if there was another way? What if, instead of expanding our ego, we focused…

  • We All Need Someone to Hold On To

    There’s a scene in the film “Cast Away” where Tom Hanks’ character, Chuck Noland, stranded on a deserted island, clings to a volleyball he’s drawn a face on. It’s a poignant depiction of our fundamental need for connection, even in the face of utter isolation. Chuck names the ball Wilson, not just for companionship, but…

  • From Samsara to Moksha: How Vedanta Empowers Us to Break Free

    The understanding of Vedanta, far from diminishing our engagement with the world, actually helps us embrace it more fully, enriches our understanding of it, and amplifies our happiness. Vedanta acts as a powerful tool for liberation and strengthens us in our pursuits rather than weakening us.

  • Chasing Freedom, Not Status: Prioritizing Financial Independence in Your Career

    In a world obsessed with titles and prestige, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing status over financial independence. But what if true fulfillment lies in breaking free from the constraints of a traditional career path and designing a life that prioritizes financial freedom?

  • From Spectator to Participant: Why Playing a Game Beats Watching It

    I have seen first-hand the frustration and heartbreak that a billion people experienced when India lost the Cricket World Cup finals yesterday to Australia, despite being unbeaten in all the previous games. All the wishes, cheering, prayers and tears amounted to nothing. That can hurt and haunt people for a long time. I even watched…

  • When to Work Hard

    In a world that often glorifies hard work, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that every moment should be spent grinding away, pushing ourselves to the limit. However, this relentless pursuit of productivity can sometimes lead to burnout, frustration, and a sense of unfulfillment. It’s important to recognize that not all hard…

  • The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

    I cannot contribute anything to this eloquent and motivational speech by Earl Nightingale. Despite being 75 years old, its relevance remains as powerful as ever. The Strangest Secret Do you know what will happen to 100 individuals who start even at the age of 25, and who believe they will be successful? By the age…

  • Why Philosophy Is Not for Everyone

    Why Philosophy Is Not for Everyone? To answer in one line: Not Everyone Has the Competence or the Stomach for Philosophy. Philosophy, often regarded as the pursuit of wisdom and the exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality, has a long and storied history. It has been pivotal in shaping human thought,…

  • Joy vs. Pleasure: What’s the Difference?

    Joy and pleasure are two closely related emotions, but they have some key differences. Pleasure is a short-lived, intense feeling of enjoyment often triggered by something external, such as eating a delicious meal, listening to music, or having sex. Conversely, joy is a deeper, more lasting feeling of happiness and contentment that comes from within.…

  • Bundle Theory of Self and Its Dance with Advaita Vedanta

    Have you ever wondered what makes up your sense of self? Is it a solid entity, a bundle of experiences, or something else entirely? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Bundle Theory of Self and its intriguing connection with Advaita Vedanta. So, first things first: what’s this bundle theory…

  • Arrogance in Relationships

    In the delicate dance of love and companionship, one factor that can be incredibly detrimental to a relationship is arrogance. Wallowing in arrogance occurs when one partner consistently displays a sense of superiority over the other, causing harm that often goes unnoticed until the damage is profound. This form of toxic behavior can manifest in…

  • Of Pretend Play & Fiction Writing

    In the second year of life, children start pretending with simple acts, like pretending to sip imaginary milk from an empty cup. Their pretend play becomes more complex and imaginative as they enter preschool years. However, there has been a belief that pretend play declines as children enter middle childhood and engage in activities like…

  • Miswanting: The Inaccurate Predictions of Our Desires and Happiness

    When we say we like something, it makes us feel good. Wanting is when we predict that we will like something in the future. Sometimes, we get what we want but end up not liking it. This is called miswanting. Miswanting refers to the situation where we desire or want something but end up feeling…

  • Embracing Single Parenting

    Divorce is a life-altering experience that often brings a wave of emotions, challenges, and significant changes to one’s social landscape. As the ties that once bound us together unravel, we may find ourselves feeling isolated, as if we no longer belong in the social circles we were once part of. Friends may drift away, invitations…

  • Why Second Marriages can fail faster

    Second marriages, like first marriages, can fail for a variety of reasons. Here are some common factors that contribute to the failure of second marriages: It’s important to note that while these factors contribute to the failure of some second marriages, many second marriages are successful and fulfilling. With open communication, commitment to personal growth,…

  • Why Anger is Repulsive

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” – Mark Twain I believe of all the emotions that a person displays, anger is the most repulsive. Here are a few potential reasons why anger might be seen as…

  • Why never plan a retirement that relies on children

    Why never plan a retirement that relies on children

    It is common in many cultures for parents to prioritize their children’s needs and well-being above their own. In India, very common for parents to make significant sacrifices in order to provide for their children’s education, health, and future prospects. This may include working long hours, saving money, or even putting their own career aspirations…

  • The most beautiful human bond is Friendship

    The most beautiful human bond is Friendship

    Friendship is the most beautiful relationship because it is based on mutual trust, understanding, and support. Unlike romantic or familial relationships, friendships are not bound by obligation or societal expectations, making them more freely chosen and thus, more authentic. Friendship is also unique in that it allows for vulnerability without fear of judgment. Friends can…

  • Responsibilities in a Marriage

    Responsibilities in a Marriage

    In a marriage, both partners have responsibilities towards each other. These responsibilities include: Overall, the responsibilities of husband and wife towards each other are to support and respect each other, communicate openly and honestly, and work together as partners to build a strong and healthy relationship.

  • Teaching a teenager to share

    Teaching a teenager to share

    Caring and sharing are both important values that contribute to healthy relationships and a sense of community. They complement each other, and practicing both can help us to build stronger connections with others. Caring refers to a feeling of concern, empathy, and compassion towards others. When we care about someone, we want them to be…

  • Strength Training at Home without Equipment

    Strength Training at Home without Equipment

    Strength training is a type of physical exercise that involves resistance or weight training to build and strengthen muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Strength training can be done using body weight, free weights, resistance bands, machines, or any other equipment that provides resistance to muscles. The importance of strength training lies in the numerous benefits…