How to Live: Unlearning Everything I Knew

by Kunal Gupta

Ever climbed the ladder of success, only to find it’s leaning against the wrong wall? Kunal Gupta did. He had it all but somehow his life still felt empty. "How to Live" documents Kunal’s transformative journey of self discovery from external validation to inner fulfillment. Guided by an insatiable curiosity, Kunal embarks on a series of life experiments, challenging societal norms and inherited personal beliefs, with each one changing his perspective on life, success, and happiness.

"How to Live" is much more than just Kunal's story though. It's an invitation for you to redefine what life can be by challenging the status quo, questioning life, and finding the courage to reshape it in pursuit of true meaning and purpose.

In the book you’ll see how Kunal turned his life upside down, giving up material possessions for two years, sleeping on strangers' couches, and moving to Lisbon on a whim. Through these daring life experiments, along with many others, he discovered a life built on inner fulfillment. Drawing on philosophy and psychology, he offers a compelling guide for anyone willing to challenge societal norms and live life on their own terms.

174 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2023

Reviews

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! This was an easy-to-read, yet thought provoking book outlining a series of experiments Gupta initiated to challenge some of his deepest beliefs. In terms of living a life that someone has sought out for themself, Gupta’s is a fascinating one with so many captivating stories.

Having just finished a course on Buddhist discourses to care, Gupta’s philosophy about life is one that helped solidify this learning in me. His explanations, decisions, and underlying values are wonderful examples of what concepts such as non-attachment, loving kindness, and being a spiritual friend might look like in someone’s life. Being able to witness the road to these discoveries was wonderful as well.

4 stars overall—there were a few spelling/grammatical errors, but they did not take away from the story. Would recommend as a lighthearted, thought provoking read!

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How to Live: Unlearning Everything I Knew" by Kunal Gupta is a captivating and thought-provoking journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I enjoyed reading this book so much that I managed to finish it in one go on a flight from Lisbon to Athens. Through Kunal's eloquent storytelling and profound insights, the book encourages readers to challenge their preconceived notions and embark on a path of unlearning to uncover their true selves. I loved that there were QR codes at the end of each chapter, allowing readers to discover videos of either Kunal or friends sharing stories as well as personal photographs. This book embraces the power of introspection and the beauty of embracing change.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and easy to read book. Not only did I find myself giggling lots, and reflecting on my own patterns in life, but also looking deeper into the themes of the book, as each chapter is concluded with links and resources. This made it super fun and with the writer’s style, i kept wanting more. I would highly recommend!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story of change.

Anyone thinking about or going through change in their life, this book is for you. His chapter about work and how sometimes we are our own biggest enemy was fascinating.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very honest self reflection on a life of the young man finding his true self, experimenting with his fears, his attachments to things, his attachments to his comforts. Experimenting with trust with developing friendship, with moving home. Very uplifting!

[David Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book with several advices for life and interact content, containing QR codes for pools, chat and also an audio version. Got it at Web Summit Lisbon 2023.

[Evgenia Dimitriou]

Web Summit Lisbon 2023 brought me here.

[Christiane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple read - just floating by. Some ideas I might put in to practice.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great surprise! Really captivating and easy to read. Impossible not to leave us thinking about our life patterns and not identifying with several chapters.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Live made me challenge and discover my authentic self. The stories push you to self-reflection and inspire you to act on different levels. It's a great read for anyone looking to grow and find their true path.