I spend much of my free time reading a wide range of topics, from quantum physics to history, finance to philosophy, and fiction to biographies. Among my favorite authors are Paulo Coelho and Mitch Albom, whose works I’ve read multiple times. Each re-read reveals something new, which is why I return to their books so often.
In 2014, I read Coelho’s latest release at the time, Adultery. The book explores the inner turmoil of seemingly happy people who struggle with mental anguish due to the monotony of a life that feels too predictable. I’m currently re-reading it and now, being on the “wrong” side of 30, I’m finding even more resonance with it than I did the first time, when I was on the “right” side of 30.
The story took me down a path of nostalgia. I realized that perhaps, like the book’s protagonist, I’ve been avoiding monotony all my life. Without fully realizing it, I’ve directed all my energy toward steering clear of a life that feels too predictable.
People who know me well often wonder why I’m so ambitious. For most of them, the life I am leading is a dream one. Yet on a deeper level they are missing the point. I am not ambitious (maybe, I am); I am simply obsessed to complete my bucket list (I agree some of my dreams are other worldly, literally) so as to keep my sanity intact from the monotony of a predictable life.
When I was younger, I was obsessed with knowing what the future held. I even visited an astrologer during my younger years. But eventually, I talked myself out of that obsession. If I knew what was coming, life would lose its mystery and excitement. It would become a predictable certainty—and where’s the fun in that?
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring and that’s the beauty of life. Whenever life hands me a tough card, I tell myself that it’s the one I wanted all along. Do I deceive myself? Maybe. But it keeps my spirits high and the positive energy flowing.
Is it wise?
Well, I’m not complaining!
bhaskar saikia 