Heaven is No Paradise: Reflections on Contentment, Happiness and Success

by Devdutt Pattanaik

Heaven is no paradise : Reflections on Contentment, Happiness and Success is an Audible Original audiobook by Devdutt Pattanaik, narrated by himself. Across twelve chapters, he explores why humans are wired to feel inadequate, how myths and tales shape societies, and how the East, West, and India each frame success differently. He shows how Indian tales rooted in rebirth push us inward, while Western tales celebrate institutions and Eastern ones value isolation. With insights on jealousy, desire, and human needs, he reminds us that paradise grants success but not contentment. Contentment enables us to acknowledge, nourish, empower and invest in others. Without this heaven of happiness will always elude us.

Audible Audio

Published October 20, 2025

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Pradeep Kumar · Rating 1 out of 5]

cherry picking, I did not like the comparison, I don't know what he is saying, does he want to go to the caves,