About The Author
Dr Vikas Kumar Singh is doctorate in business administration from Lucknow University . He is in international business and has spent over 2 decades in MNC’s & corporates in India & Europe .Having travelled several times to Europe due to his passion, particularly to Greece and Italy , he has been highly influenced by the cultural history of Athens & Rome , particularly the different branches of philosophy that were prevalent over 2000 years ago
Interview
Q) Tell us about the idea behind the book?
The key theme of my book “Return ticket “ is not only to live a good life but as ancient Geeks used to call it with a beautiful term “Eudaimonia “ , to live a happy & flourishing life . This is really a unique concept , I mean an ancient concept but its very relevant for today’s turbulent times . Let me put a link that I posted last year : https://www.hindustantimes.com/brand-post/how-to-win-at-life-with-stoic-philosophy/story-TTFBr84CErRpMVk04H0yZJ.html
Q) How much time did it take in the process of writing?
I have a problem that I look for perfection and my this habit took almost over 2 years to give this book its present shape . The reality is that I don’t believe in short cuts and give my own sweet time to get the outcome that satisfies me from the core .
Q) What did the process of writing this book teach you?
Well, last several months have been really tough for the entire world and particularly for us in India . One thing I realised is that life is not a straight line but like a flowing river , it will have several twist and turns . We lost so many of our friends due to pandemic which gives us the urgency to not to postpone any thing . Roman phrase “Carpe diem “ ie to seize this very moment , to live this very moment now ,sums up the whole idea behind “Return ticket “ .
Q) What inspired you to write this book?
I have been deeply influenced by the writings and learnings of ancient Greek and Roman thinkers and their life experiences . So , let me share you one concept “memento mori “ which means we all are mortal and will eventually die .However , if you look around you , the only thing you will find is that people are just racing to accumulate in hope that they will start enjoying some day . But the question I ask to myself and all of us is , which is that day? We think that we have a very long life and we keep on postponing our “present : in hope of a better future but the truth is otherwise !
Q) Which is your favourite part from the book?
Well , its my book and I love all the content but the most important concept was that I draw from noted Greek philosopher “Epictetus “ that gave us the concept of “dichotomy of control” . It simply means that we should just focus on the things that we can control and just ignore the things that are beyond our control . Another important concept is of “thinking negatively “ for which I did a post and link is here https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/premeditatio-malorum-ancient-wisdom-for-modern-times-120110401092_1.html
Q) A book that had an impact on you, which helped you in writing this one?
As mentioned earlier , Meditation by Marcus Aurelius has helped me a lot , not only in writing this book but its part of my life . By the way , this book had been written over 2000 years ago and is also favourite of Wen Jiabao — The former Prime Minister of China, authors like JK Rowling, former American president Bill Clinton & Theodore Roosevelt and several Hollywood Film personalities .
Q) Tell us about your plans? Planning a new book?
Yes Vidya , I am working on new project as how the ancient Greek & Roman wisdom can be applied to business and I feel there is lot of learnings for our modern corporate leaders when they read my new book that will be published by mid 2023 .
Also Read: Interview with Avnish Burman Choudhury – Author of Dreamtamer
Q) How your life changed after the book was published?
Not really , my life is exactly same as it was earlier . My only objective is that how my book can help and impact maximum people so that they find a better way of living through this ancient wisdom . I don’t earn anything from the book and have pledged to donate all my earnings from the book revenue .
Q) What is a literary success for you?
If my knowledge & learning can impact even one life , I feel my work is done . The point is that whatever I am telling my readers is not new but already spoken and implemented by Roman kings and Greek thinkers . But my aim is to spread this ancient wisdom so that it can impact life of people so that they can live a flourishing life.
Q) A message for all the readers.
Celebrate every day as a new life and I think my new song will beautifully explain the book theme. Here is the link https://youtu.be/DeaDRVt-0V0
Get your Book Reviewed by Vidhya Thakkar – Connect us Now.
