An Odyssey of the Mind

Winner of the Pioneer Literary Awards 2024 for the Best Book under Non Fiction category,

After the conclusion of the Trojan War, the Greek hero Odysseus had to wander for ten years facing numerous difficulties in different lands before he could finally return to his kingdom Ithaca. These difficulties and wanderings of Odysseus came to be known as the Odyssey. The author too, in his quest for making sense of this complex world, undertook deep research and observation to write twenty essays over a period of ten years. After wandering through the various countries of the mind like psychology, political philosophy, sociology, ecology, history, philosophy, the impact of technology on human society and culture – the author makes us face profound questions about the present state of our society, culture and civilization.

  1. Is the Internet taking a toll on our ability to focus and concentrate? On our very intelligence?
  2. Why do people suffer from Mid Life Blues?
  3. Is Artificial Intelligence an unmitigated blessing?
  4. Why do we suffer from loneliness and alienation despite being connected all the time?
  5. In an era of cyber connectivity and digital footprint, is freedom possible?
  6. Why is identity politics erupting all over the world?
  7. With robots as babysitters, sex companions, and caregivers for the elders, what is going to be the future of love and relationships?
  8. Is it possible to find security in an ever-changing dynamic world?

These are some of the enchanting countries of the mind that the author explores. This is a mental journey of epic proportions. This is an Odyssey of the Mind.

REVIEWS

Debasish Bandopadhyay

*****

“An Odyssey of the mind” by Narendra Murty is a very special book. It presents you twenty thought provoking essays to self reflect and introspect your comfortable position from every aspect of life. It challenges your mind just like the greek hero Odysseus in the lands of philosophy, psychology, politics, sociology, technology and more. His profound knowledge on every arena makes this book a gem.

The book raises important in-depth questions on modern life, our daily coexistence with technology forgetting our soul, the rise of identity problems, social problems from the changed political situation etc. Actually, the author confronted our ideas and experiences in modern world from the eyes of a knowledgeable philosopher and thinker. Like “Stranded on the way” is finely sketched on midlife crisis. He not only ‘examines’ the state but offer a way out. ‘Is the internet making us stupid’ offers us the reality check about internet’s impact on our life. Not only our peaceful psychological state is hampered but our jobs also are being shared with AI and robots. This is farther analysed in ‘Human’s not required’. The new dictionary one and two both are satire on politics and economy, and believe me these are phenomenal writing. I cherished every bit of it. ‘Living in Dystopia’ talks about the problems of living daily life under the scanner of technology and mass surveillance as George Orwell and Aldous Huxley pointed out. ‘What is man’ shows the protest against scientific materialism that states “man is nothing but glands, chemicals and hormones”.

With the fantastic analysis of modern world and human civilization the author finely mixes a light tone of satire to show the modern age fallacies. This book is definitely a philosophical and intellectual adventure to inspire our age to a better future giving up the over reliance on technology. It has the power to make you think at least once on your state of life. This Re-examining of your state would be the gift of wisdom from this beloved author of mine. Like every book of Narendra Murty, this one too is brilliant and dazzling with new ideas for thinking.

Prachi

*****

An Odyssey of the Mind” by Narendra Murty is an intriguing book comprising 20 essays that merge various fields such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, and technology. All these essays are thought-provoking, delving into complex themes like the influence of technology on human life, the nature of identity, and the irony of feeling alone in a highly connected world. His writing style is articulate, effectively combining storytelling with philosophical insights.

The structure of the book is particularly noteworthy. Each essay builds on the previous one, forming a cohesive journey through different human thought and behaviour aspects. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the book’s central themes. Murty explores profound topics, including the quest for a meaningful life and the implications of striving for utopian ideals. His analysis of these subjects is insightful, prompting readers to question and reflect on their beliefs and the nature of society.

The book’s most popular sections I like the most – are the Internet making us stupid, The midlife crisis, What we are, and Living with robots. The author spent ten years on all these essays of the book. Each chapter is portrayed with meticulous research, which is truly admirable.

Sameer Gudhate

****

Narendra Murthy’s “An Odyssey of the Mind” is not just a book; it’s an intellectual adventure that captivates the reader from the very first page. As I embarked on this odyssey, I found myself immersed in a world where philosophy, psychology, sociology and technology converge to stimulate thought and introspection.

This collection of 20 essays mirrors the wanderings of Odysseus, exploring the intricate landscapes of the human mind. From the perils of technological dependence to the complexities of identity and the paradox of loneliness in our interconnected world, Murty weaves a narrative that challenges conventional thinking.

Murty’s writing style is a demonstration of his mastery of language. Each essay is a carefully crafted exploration, rich with wisdom nuggets that compel readers to pause and reflect. The prose is eloquent and Murty seamlessly blends storytelling with philosophical insights, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The originality lies in his ability to synthesize ideas from diverse sources, creating a textile of thought that is both enlightening and challenging. Reading “An Odyssey of the Mind” is a transformative experience. Murty’s ability to tap into the reader’s emotions enhances the overall impact of the book.

“An Odyssey of the Mind” resonated deeply with me. Murty’s ability to distill complex ideas into accessible insights is commendable. As a reader, I appreciate the opportunity to engage with such profound reflections on the human experience.

“An Odyssey of the Mind” is a masterpiece that transcends traditional genres. Narendra Murty’s intellectual journey is a gift to those who seek literature that not only expands the mind but also challenges preconceptions. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone eager to embark on a transformative odyssey of their own.

Padmajha

*****

A non-fiction gem that I approached with an open mind, and let me tell you, the first few chapters completely blew me away. Actually, even the introduction itself provided a profound glimpse into the book’s content!

Through the lens of a thinker, the book offers a philosopher’s take on various aspects of life. Every chapter is filled with invaluable insights that we may have become immune to in our daily lives. For instance, the book explores how the internet has transformed from being our servant to becoming our master, and how our minds are being affected by the overwhelming influx of information through the internet. Moreover, the author not only presents his own perspective but also delves into the ideas of great minds, as evidenced by the extensive list of acknowledgments. From Homer to J. Krishnamurti, these influential figures have inspired the author’s life and works, and he adeptly translates their ideals into simpler terms for the lay reader. As a result, you’ll find references to both classic and contemporary books, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge.

This book provides us with the opportunity to re-examine various aspects of our lives and take stock of where we stand. Personally, I was particularly impressed by the chapters on the internet and the concept of “Man,” which sparked profound contemplation within me. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter while reading “The New Dictionary” and felt an immediate connection to the passage on the idea of Vanaprasta, a topic that my parents have often discussed with me. Additionally, exploring the concept of time-poverty was intriguing.
Each chapter showcases the author’s extensive research and observations conducted over a decade, resulting in a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. The

Further Reading section offers a remarkable selection of thought-provoking recommendations that will undoubtedly enrich the reader’s intellectual journey.
In conclusion, this thought-provoking book deserves to be savoured and digested at a leisurely pace, allowing the reader to fully assimilate its profound contents and re-evaluate their own life. Without a doubt, this was a remarkable 5/5 star read that left a lasting impact.