Surely Youre Joking Mr Feynman: Richard Feynmann (1985)

A maverick!!! That is what you feel when you read the book. A person who does not agree to anything that does not meet his line of work or thinking. The theme is moving with no scope of feeling bored. Whatever he dabbled with, he excelled, e.g., physics, mathematics, computing, engineering, hacking lockers, art, teaching, music, etc. He maintained an open questioning attitude on everything, challenging authority. 

It's hard to be a Richard Feynmann. Yet, if you read through his biography, you learn a lot from his life. Written 40 years ago, I still consider the book relevant and worth every page. 

Lutyens’ Maverick: Ground realities, Hard choices and Tomorrow's India - Baijayant "Jay" Panda (2018)

Jay Panda is a politician with a point of view and with a modern outlook. His writing is portraying that image correctly. However, when a political writer creates a book based on a collection of his columns and articles in the press, it becomes relevant to the period and often aligned with the side of the political system he represents. These collections are reflective of a similar viewpoint. I read the first couple of articles but lost interest as six years have passed, and some of the issues have lost their focused relevance. 

It is well-written but of good archival value, to be honest. 

The Emperor's New Mind - Roger Penrose (1989)

The book was written 35 years back. In a book on science and technology, a lot has changed since. Penrose tries to explain classical physics and quantum mechanics to non-scientists. Although his attempt has been sincere, in some places, you realize some things can only be explained with a thorough mathematical treatment. He tries to justify that human brain function cannot be entirely computationally feasible by the computations we know today with the Turing machine. Some things like consciousness go into the territory of quantum computing and explanations of correct quantum gravity (CQG). Today, significant parts of AI have been achieved with massively parallel computing with classical computers. Computation has reached unimaginable scales that were conceivable 35 years back. 

The book is still relevant, although many significant modern discoveries and inventions at this point have tried to change the course of AI. Until we find a foolproof solution for artificial general intelligence (AGI), we will keep questioning like Penrose. 

A good yet difficult read and needs an overview of physics, computing, and quantum mechanics to be able to appreciate the depth of the book. 

In Search of Celebration - Osho (2004)

The book is a collection of conversations with Osho. Osho talks about various topics with simple parables. While I have not been a follower of Osho or any of his teachings, the first book for me was a great eye-opener. It shared his knowledge of many fields and simple explanations that make him such a guru with a vast following even after so many years of leaving the worldly presence. While I may not agree with all the views expressed, I can definitely find a connection he can establish with the audience and all the readers. 

I will definitely recommend the book. 

The Guru of Joy - François Gautier (2002)

Sri Sri Ravishankar is a revered spiritual master from India. While most of his teachings are along the Hindu philosophy, he has followers across the globe. This book introduced the guru from a westerner's perspective. Though a Westerner, the author is associated with the Sri Aurobindo ashram in Puducherry. So, he had been exposed to the Indian philosophy. He describes the guru, his childhood, his works, and the experiences of the fellow devotees with the guru. The book also contains messages from Swamiji and how it can benefit the society. The beneficial effects of the Sudarshan Kriya and its effect on the human body and mind are discussed in great detail. 

The Art of Happiness - HH Dalai Lama and Howard C Cutler (1989)

A practicing psychologist/psychotherapist interviews HH Dalai Lama for his opinion on elements of happiness. He tries to match the modern scientific interpretation of happiness with the spiritual master's understanding of the same subject. Human happiness is achieved through five attributes. 

• The purpose of life
• Human warmth and compassion
• Transforming suffering into a positive outcome
• Overcoming obstacles like fear and anger
• Living a spiritual life

The last two are interesting as you realize the viewpoints of the scientist and the spiritual master do not quite match. While science emphasizes releasing or venting out fear and anger, the spiritual master focuses on forgetting and managing the bad influences from life. Lastly, the spiritual master distinguishes religion and spirituality. He thinks religion plays a significant role in a person's life, while the psychologist prefers the influence of a secular spiritual basis for an individual. 

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess - Bobby Fischer (1966)

Why didn't I learn chess from this book? The best first book on chess. With frame after frame of the board visually in front, I just devoured it in one sitting. 

Definitely, recommended.