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| Book cover (courtesy: Goodreads website) |
While reading this book review, I am reminded of the famous line "Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" from the fairly tale Snow White.
Let me explain - If you think you will get offended like the Queen, on not hearing the self-gloating answer, then this book is not for you. This book is for those, who dare to look into the mirror, see themselves free from self-bias, see both the good and areas of improvement in themselves, and reflect and work upon themselves to become better.
As N.R. Narayana Murthy writes in the foreword, this book is an illuminating study of the life and behaviour of Indians in the public sphere. For me, what stands out is the choice of narration that the author V. Raghunathan has taken. He does not present his case as a Sociologist (which a reader would assume it to be, for such kind of books). Rather he writes it from an Economist's point of view. He examines Indian social behaviour through Behavioural Economics and Game Theory, drawing on the research by Game Theorists and Behavioural Economists. He uses the Prisoner's Dilemma Framework to understand the characteristics of human rationality, irrationality, egotism, selfishness, antagonism, competition, collaboration, and cooperation among us Indians vis-a-vis the rest of the world in day-to-day situations.
This book is provocative and unsettle the reader, likely by design, prompting us to self-reflect. It's intent is constructive, encouraging us to improve ourselves. At this historical moment, our country faces a pivotal opportunity to leap forward by leveraging a growing economy and demographic advantages. However, to realize this potential, Indians must find the courage to introspect, acknowledge our shortcomings, address them, and evolve into a sustainable and equitable economic and cultural society within the global order.
Today is a moment in time in history, our country is standing at a critical juncture to leapfrog by taking advantage of the growing economy and demographic dividends. However, for making this into a reality, we Indians have to muster the courage to look inward to recognise our fallacies, work upon them to reform and evolve into a sustainable & equitable economic and cultural society and country, in the world order.
I will leave it at that, the ten chapters of the book throw light on countless daily situations and explain our behaviours, through game theory and behavioural economics.
One standout Wow! A factor in this book for me is chapter 10: Game Theory and the Bhagavad Gita. It is very creative of the author, and how, in his reading and interpretation of the Gita, he makes connections of Krishna's teachings to Arjuna with Game Theory.
Another Wow! factor, ending of the book. The author creatively links Rabindranath Tagore's inspiring poem, 'Where the Mind Is without Fear' with present day context of Indian cities non-functioning city municipalities and governance.
You may choose to indulge yourself, looking into the mirror and self-reflection. Happy reading!
