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Inside Chanakya's Mind: Aanvikshiki and the Art of the Thinking [Paperback] [Dec 15, 2016] Radhakrishnan Pillai
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- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
212 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 7, 2023
Inside Chanakya's Mind is a book that purports to reveal the secrets of Chanakya's thinking and strategies. The author, Radhakrishnan Pillai, claims that he has "deciphered" Chanakya's teachings and made them accessible to a modern audience. However, it is largely a self-help book for Corporate-building which forgets that workers are human beings sometimes and not machines.
I found the book to be disappointing, superficial and preachy. The author's interpretation of Chanakya's teachings is often based on his own personal biases and beliefs, rather than on any solid historical evidence. Most importantly, the depth of the Arthashastra is lost in this "interpretation" that is already taken out of context. As a result, the book is more of a self-help manual, mostly for corporate leaders than a serious study of Chanakya's thought.
In addition, the book is full of factual errors. For example, the author claims that Chanakya was a Brahmin, when in fact he was a Kshatriya. He also claims that Chanakya was the author of the Arthashastra, when in fact the authorship of this text is disputed.
I would not recommend this book for anyone, especially if they are attempting to become a more efficient worker or leader. If you are interested in learning about Chanakya, I would recommend reading a more scholarly work, such as the Arthashastra itself.
I found the book to be disappointing, superficial and preachy. The author's interpretation of Chanakya's teachings is often based on his own personal biases and beliefs, rather than on any solid historical evidence. Most importantly, the depth of the Arthashastra is lost in this "interpretation" that is already taken out of context. As a result, the book is more of a self-help manual, mostly for corporate leaders than a serious study of Chanakya's thought.
In addition, the book is full of factual errors. For example, the author claims that Chanakya was a Brahmin, when in fact he was a Kshatriya. He also claims that Chanakya was the author of the Arthashastra, when in fact the authorship of this text is disputed.
I would not recommend this book for anyone, especially if they are attempting to become a more efficient worker or leader. If you are interested in learning about Chanakya, I would recommend reading a more scholarly work, such as the Arthashastra itself.
March 27, 2017
Radhakrishnan Pillai seems to have a very simple goal! "I will make Chanakya and his Arthashastra as the foundation for my works, and I will extract the juice and will serve it to you. You can be a student, a business man, a teacher or whoever. It is my simple goal." And, I must agree that he succeeds this time also with "Inside Chanakya's Mind" like his earlier books "Chanakya in Daily Life" and "Corporate Chanakya". Yes, Chanakya's work "Arthashastra" is such a treasure that India and the world are blessed to relish! In his current work, the author focuses on "Aanvikshiki" or the science of thinking. We have frequently heard the quote, "Watch your thoughts, they become words, Watch your words, they become actions; Watch your actions, they become habits…", but no one really told us how to think. All the time we hear about "Think, Think, Think!", but no one really teaches us this art. Pillai fills this gap neatly by dedicating a whole book for this art! (In fact, it is unbelievable that his daughter is named "Aanvikshiki). For those, who have been blaming their family, their company, their neighbors, the neighbor's dog etc., on why they couldn’t think correctly, this book is a boon.
The book starts by explaining the root of Aanvikshiki, what it really means and why is it so important. It pacifies us when we know that "the process of thoughts can be taught" and elates us when we read that the practice of this important art that bring about a significant change in our thoughts, speech and action. Isn't that what we just read in the quote above? The author expands on the beautiful base that he has laid out in the first chapter by explaining the different types of thinking. He wonderfully categorizes the thinking into six different categories and explains each of them. He does it so by referring to Chanankya's quotes & verses from Arthashastra. For example, leadership thinking is all about working for the benefit of others - and, in that sense, a parent is also a leader. And, when you are an individual contributor in a company, you go through the process of creative thinking and so on.
Then comes the different models of thinking. It isn't enough to just categorize the thinking; it also depends on the model how you think through each of these types. The next chapter on the seven dimensions of thinking is a real gem. Chanakya's works were based on the old times - when there was a kingdom and the king ruled with his ministers. But, we call that a democracy and corporate. By explaining these seven dimensions with seven parts of a kingdom - the king, the minister, the country, the city, the treasury, the army and the ally, the author makes our job easy to relate it with the current environment. It is just that we have a different environment and different players. And, in any case, there is going to be a competition - whether we are studying in a school, or working in a corporate. It is very important to hone ourselves with the process of thinking about competition which is more important than the other seven - and the author dedicates one complete chapter (and I am not sure if it is directly proportional to the details Chanakya covering it in his work). There are some important things that we understand are very important, but we neglect - because we are not interested, or often because we do not have enough time. The chapter "The Other Side of Chanakya" helps us with why we must do the stuff that we often ignore. We will not have complaints if everyone follows Chanakya's teachings on management. The author crisply categorizes it the chapter on management - which I think every corporate and government should make it part of their organizational principles.
And, if we think it is all about corporate and its management, no, it is not! Even for individuals who often procrastinate, there are beautiful lessons - the process of decision making, prioritizing work. I think in a social media centric world where virtual friends occupy most of our day (and night), these principles should sharpen our process of thinking to live more on the reality side. All in all, a very good self-help book aimed at improving our process of thinking and our overall welfare (and others).
PS: This book was received, read and reviewed as part of Flipkart’s Blogger Review Program
The book starts by explaining the root of Aanvikshiki, what it really means and why is it so important. It pacifies us when we know that "the process of thoughts can be taught" and elates us when we read that the practice of this important art that bring about a significant change in our thoughts, speech and action. Isn't that what we just read in the quote above? The author expands on the beautiful base that he has laid out in the first chapter by explaining the different types of thinking. He wonderfully categorizes the thinking into six different categories and explains each of them. He does it so by referring to Chanankya's quotes & verses from Arthashastra. For example, leadership thinking is all about working for the benefit of others - and, in that sense, a parent is also a leader. And, when you are an individual contributor in a company, you go through the process of creative thinking and so on.
Then comes the different models of thinking. It isn't enough to just categorize the thinking; it also depends on the model how you think through each of these types. The next chapter on the seven dimensions of thinking is a real gem. Chanakya's works were based on the old times - when there was a kingdom and the king ruled with his ministers. But, we call that a democracy and corporate. By explaining these seven dimensions with seven parts of a kingdom - the king, the minister, the country, the city, the treasury, the army and the ally, the author makes our job easy to relate it with the current environment. It is just that we have a different environment and different players. And, in any case, there is going to be a competition - whether we are studying in a school, or working in a corporate. It is very important to hone ourselves with the process of thinking about competition which is more important than the other seven - and the author dedicates one complete chapter (and I am not sure if it is directly proportional to the details Chanakya covering it in his work). There are some important things that we understand are very important, but we neglect - because we are not interested, or often because we do not have enough time. The chapter "The Other Side of Chanakya" helps us with why we must do the stuff that we often ignore. We will not have complaints if everyone follows Chanakya's teachings on management. The author crisply categorizes it the chapter on management - which I think every corporate and government should make it part of their organizational principles.
And, if we think it is all about corporate and its management, no, it is not! Even for individuals who often procrastinate, there are beautiful lessons - the process of decision making, prioritizing work. I think in a social media centric world where virtual friends occupy most of our day (and night), these principles should sharpen our process of thinking to live more on the reality side. All in all, a very good self-help book aimed at improving our process of thinking and our overall welfare (and others).
PS: This book was received, read and reviewed as part of Flipkart’s Blogger Review Program
April 29, 2021
Certainly NOT for hardcore Chanakya fans.
Its re-iteration of what the author has already written that the book adds up to nothing. The concepts are written and rewritten so much that you read only because its easy to read and confirms that idea you read in the introduction of the book. There is simply no novelty apart from THE WORD (aanvikshiki).
Its re-iteration of what the author has already written that the book adds up to nothing. The concepts are written and rewritten so much that you read only because its easy to read and confirms that idea you read in the introduction of the book. There is simply no novelty apart from THE WORD (aanvikshiki).
August 22, 2018
This book is about how Chanakya was thinking and practicing Aanvikshiki at his time. Anavikshiki is the Sanskrit word which means the science of thinking. This book tells how Chanakya had given so much importance to "thinking properly". Chanakya was of a thinking that thoughts are the action generator. So we should wisely think and plan before taking any action since we have to bear the consequences of the action taken. This book even tells how the leader should think. The author refers to Arthashastra which was written by Chanakya himself under the name of Kautilya. The author tells how Chanakya would think about every aspect of his king's kingdom. He even thought about how every king should think about his people and their need first because in the benefit of his people lies King's benefit. Chanakya even talked about Mitra(ally), ministers who give pieces of advice to kings, fortified cities, treasury and explains their importance with respect to Kings. He even told how King should behave with his people, how much he should sleep etc. By reading this book you will get to know about Chanakya's thinking process was i.e Anavikshiki. This book will be really helpful for management people. They can apply these principles which Chanakya spoke about 2400 years ago in modern times also. Really Chanakya was great.
July 10, 2020
Inside Chanakya's Mind by Radhakrishnan Pillai
Only reason that I am given this book 2 stars and not one, is because it exposed me to the ideas and teachings of Arthashastra, an outline of sorts.
Apart from that, there is nothing in this book except the mere interpretation of the verses written in Arthashastra.
For instance, in last chapter, only practical advice in "Wealth Management" paragraph is "So save for the rainy days", that's it, and I am not even exaggerating or in this case, understating.
Don't mistake that this book has no knowledge, it is full of details about the what thinking of an ideal king should be, an ideal administration, routines of an ideal king, etc, so it might be very productive for president's, prime minister's, minister and so on but to a common man, it provides very basic knowledge which is known by many by now.
The only thing to take away from it is what I can expect to learn from Arthashastra.
Not recommended.
Only reason that I am given this book 2 stars and not one, is because it exposed me to the ideas and teachings of Arthashastra, an outline of sorts.
Apart from that, there is nothing in this book except the mere interpretation of the verses written in Arthashastra.
For instance, in last chapter, only practical advice in "Wealth Management" paragraph is "So save for the rainy days", that's it, and I am not even exaggerating or in this case, understating.
Don't mistake that this book has no knowledge, it is full of details about the what thinking of an ideal king should be, an ideal administration, routines of an ideal king, etc, so it might be very productive for president's, prime minister's, minister and so on but to a common man, it provides very basic knowledge which is known by many by now.
The only thing to take away from it is what I can expect to learn from Arthashastra.
Not recommended.
December 15, 2017
I picked this book up intrigued by the title and Chanakya's thoughts on the topic. It was interesting to read about his approach to thinking, the art and science of ruling, the ideal daily schedule of a king and also the importance given to Artha or material well-being and the interlinkages with spirituality. The depth of his thinking and its relevance today is truly remarkable. However, I feel the text was rendered less interesting by frequent repetitions and statements about how great Chanakya was - which to my mind is better demonstrated subtly than asserted repeatedly. The chapter on aspects of Chanakya's character seemed a bit inside out - the focus of the book is the art of thinking, not the aspects of Chanakya's character - softer or otherwise.
February 12, 2020
The book starts really well but then keeps on repeating the same thing over and over again. Author has disappointed me big time. I could clearly make out that this book was ghostwritten. At some places author is trying to make the same point again and again it seems as if he just wanna fill pages thats it. Mr pillai if you are ghostwriting your book then please choose some good writers. 3 stars for me since the initial pages are worth reading but that pleasure spans in just 10 to 15 pages.
April 21, 2017
This book deals with the Chanakya or Kautilya whose Artha Shastra is famous treatise which is referred for various subjects even today. There is one interesting subject which is dealt in this book and art of thinking. Art of thinking which is gaining popularity now is mentioned in Chanakya's work more than 2000 years ago.
December 26, 2017
This book is full of wisdom. Someone who is already in power, i.e, politician, Entrepreneur, this book might come handy. As Chanakya- world's greatest economist & politician, told his basic principles, it'll a perfect handbook for management.
Moreover, it focuses on *Basic Principle of thinking* and why is it necessary
Moreover, it focuses on *Basic Principle of thinking* and why is it necessary
August 9, 2020
'Aanvikshiki' means 'the art of thinking.' Initially the prose is worth reading everything is new surrounded by Chankya's Arthshastra. I loved the elaborate description about theirs policies that was designed in order to justify every aspect of life. I tried to finish it but it was not one time reading. Frequently repeated phrases made it little bogus.
It's a good one time read.
It's a good one time read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2017
Good one
March 7, 2019
Good Book. Explains Aanvikshiki beautifully.
August 22, 2024
Vishnugupta, Kautilya and Chanakya, the three chief names by which the man was known, is nothing like any political theorist of Realism ever born.
The comprehensive nunances of philosophy that he promulgated are some of the most pioneering works in the history of logic and international diplomacy studies.
This book is a psychoanalysis inside the mind of Kautilya. This book is based on a lost tome of kautilya named ‘Aanvikshiki’, and contains 10 chapters:
1. Introduction to Aanvikshiki
2. Types of Thinking
3. The Different Models of Thinking
4. The Seven Dimensions of Thinking
5. The Eighth Dimension of Thinking
6. The Other Side of Chanakya
7. Chanakya’s Thoughts on Management
8. The Duties of a King
9. Human and Divine Thinking
10. Inside Your Mind
Now, the title itself is the amalgamation of two words – ‘anu’ and ‘ikshiki’. While Anu stands for ‘atom’, the slightest portion of anything, ‘Ikshiki’ refers to a ‘person who wants to know’, an inquirer, a philosopher, an investigator, an inspector or a logician. Consequently, aanvikshiki is the method of questioning and correct philosophy, or the scholarship of intellect.
Now as a reader you can also propose your own clarification after learning and practising aanvikshiki yourself.
Let us follow the author’s words: ‘Imagine teaching thinking as the first subject in our education system. What an amazing way to begin. If at all we could teach our children in schools to think, inquire, ask, question, apply logic and then establish and have their own individual conclusions, what a brilliant generation would come out of our schools, colleges and universities. What we follow instead is herd mentality. Just do what others are doing. Go to school — study, get a degree, secure a job and education is over. We are raised in an examination system instead of an education system. This kind of system rarely helps to get the best out of an individual. From a data-driven education system, we need to move into a process of investigation and inquiry. Let us teach our children and ourselves to think and wonder, to imagine, to construct, to create, to dream, to visualize, and to build their own future in a unique manner. Studies and research show that this is what Chanakya did in his education system. He wanted his students to be leaders. And the first quality of leadership is to think correctly and clearly. This is a great time to reflect on this important life-skill. I encourage you to read more about Aanvikshiki as it opens doors to the world of thinking in more ways than one.’
This is a brilliant tome, meant for teenager to advanced reader. Give it a go.
And thereafter encourage others to read the same.
The comprehensive nunances of philosophy that he promulgated are some of the most pioneering works in the history of logic and international diplomacy studies.
This book is a psychoanalysis inside the mind of Kautilya. This book is based on a lost tome of kautilya named ‘Aanvikshiki’, and contains 10 chapters:
1. Introduction to Aanvikshiki
2. Types of Thinking
3. The Different Models of Thinking
4. The Seven Dimensions of Thinking
5. The Eighth Dimension of Thinking
6. The Other Side of Chanakya
7. Chanakya’s Thoughts on Management
8. The Duties of a King
9. Human and Divine Thinking
10. Inside Your Mind
Now, the title itself is the amalgamation of two words – ‘anu’ and ‘ikshiki’. While Anu stands for ‘atom’, the slightest portion of anything, ‘Ikshiki’ refers to a ‘person who wants to know’, an inquirer, a philosopher, an investigator, an inspector or a logician. Consequently, aanvikshiki is the method of questioning and correct philosophy, or the scholarship of intellect.
Now as a reader you can also propose your own clarification after learning and practising aanvikshiki yourself.
Let us follow the author’s words: ‘Imagine teaching thinking as the first subject in our education system. What an amazing way to begin. If at all we could teach our children in schools to think, inquire, ask, question, apply logic and then establish and have their own individual conclusions, what a brilliant generation would come out of our schools, colleges and universities. What we follow instead is herd mentality. Just do what others are doing. Go to school — study, get a degree, secure a job and education is over. We are raised in an examination system instead of an education system. This kind of system rarely helps to get the best out of an individual. From a data-driven education system, we need to move into a process of investigation and inquiry. Let us teach our children and ourselves to think and wonder, to imagine, to construct, to create, to dream, to visualize, and to build their own future in a unique manner. Studies and research show that this is what Chanakya did in his education system. He wanted his students to be leaders. And the first quality of leadership is to think correctly and clearly. This is a great time to reflect on this important life-skill. I encourage you to read more about Aanvikshiki as it opens doors to the world of thinking in more ways than one.’
This is a brilliant tome, meant for teenager to advanced reader. Give it a go.
And thereafter encourage others to read the same.
February 4, 2020
Book is extensively detailed and useful in our day-to-day life. Pillai had researched deeply on the life of the Chankya and his works which is reflected in the details of the book. Book is classified in good way which increases the readability of the reader.
The age old wisdom of Chankya which was written around 4th century BC has been translated and explained to readers of 21st century AD. Also, his most of the advices were related to king and how to handle kingdom. The interval of 2500 years is not a small one, thus, many of the advices have been really flawed but author did synthesis of them. For an example, chapter seven dimensions of thinking has utilisation of fort which was useful for Kings of ancient age but author synthesised it as defence or plan-B in our daily life.
Author could have done better if long quotes would not have been used and if book has omitted the excessive details from each chapters. Book is worthy; nevertheless it is written monotonously which is boring.
The age old wisdom of Chankya which was written around 4th century BC has been translated and explained to readers of 21st century AD. Also, his most of the advices were related to king and how to handle kingdom. The interval of 2500 years is not a small one, thus, many of the advices have been really flawed but author did synthesis of them. For an example, chapter seven dimensions of thinking has utilisation of fort which was useful for Kings of ancient age but author synthesised it as defence or plan-B in our daily life.
Author could have done better if long quotes would not have been used and if book has omitted the excessive details from each chapters. Book is worthy; nevertheless it is written monotonously which is boring.
March 28, 2021
This is certainly a book for leaders. I got my hands on this book at the right time of my life. I am not so used to the bit of highlighting the book but I keep doing it while reading the book. I am halfway from completing the book so far I feel lots of wisdom has been consolidated in this small book. Many lines from this book keep tinkling me. You can compare this book with any part of your life and learn the techniques of thinking right. Many times our values interfere with what we are supposed to do,this book has laid out a certain way out of many curved balls life throw at us.Read this book to become a better leader.
May 5, 2020
Very interesting take on Arthashastra and learning from it. I for one enjoyed it more when I tried to review one of the well known leaders against the ideals given in this book. Goes to show that Chanakya was indeed a genius who thought of aspects which were relevant not only in his time but also thousands of years later! Immense wealth of knowledge this country possesses and yet so much is yet to be discovered! Aanvikshiki is certainly something I will bring into my day to day life... not just professional but personal too...
September 29, 2020
A famous saying from Henry Ford states "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right"
Any vision cannot be guaranteed into existence without right thinking. But what is right thinking? This book helps you understand the elements, structure and reasons for right thinking through Chanakya's mind. It helps you understand the what, how and why of strategic and solution oriented thinking for not just your own good, but for the good of the people and the society that you belong to.
Any vision cannot be guaranteed into existence without right thinking. But what is right thinking? This book helps you understand the elements, structure and reasons for right thinking through Chanakya's mind. It helps you understand the what, how and why of strategic and solution oriented thinking for not just your own good, but for the good of the people and the society that you belong to.
August 10, 2020
It was good to learn how Chanakya thought thinking as one of the arts, and then created a systematic plan and process to think - Anvikshiki. You can also relate how modern-day governments work with the influence of Chanakya's thought process from centuries ago.
Some examples would have helped this book become more interesting. Also, this is just an introduction to the concept and doesn't highlight the process, which some people might expect.
Some examples would have helped this book become more interesting. Also, this is just an introduction to the concept and doesn't highlight the process, which some people might expect.
June 9, 2019
I found the first few chapters very informative. After that it was all about Kings and how a king is supposed to rule.
What I liked:
Detailed analysis on the ways of thinking, what constitutes the thought process and Strategy analysis.
What could have been better:
The book fails to grip you hard sometimes. You'll have to toil through the read during a few pages.
What I liked:
Detailed analysis on the ways of thinking, what constitutes the thought process and Strategy analysis.
What could have been better:
The book fails to grip you hard sometimes. You'll have to toil through the read during a few pages.
Read
January 12, 2025I learned so much while reading this book. My knowledge of Chanakya and Arthashastra was limited to school-level History. This book was a fascinating read. The author has a simple style that makes you want to continue reading. I recommend this book to readers who would like to understand the wisdom of Chanakya and how the Mauryan empire spread through the length and breadth of the Peninsula.
April 22, 2020
If you ever were interested in the term ArthaShastra, this book will give you glimpse of what it is.
A simple book and easy to understand. Author throws light on the things that matter in the field of management citing examples from Chanakya's world.
A simple book and easy to understand. Author throws light on the things that matter in the field of management citing examples from Chanakya's world.
March 5, 2021
As i read through the book, but I started with the feeling of 'what do I need to are about how kings thought centuries ago?'
Then I started correlating the Mindset of the king maker with my own average life and how I could treat it as my own kingdom!
Then I started correlating the Mindset of the king maker with my own average life and how I could treat it as my own kingdom!
April 9, 2021
The book tells about Anvikshaki a way of thinking and about various startegies and principles said by Chanakya in his book arthashastra. Overall, it is a well written book about Chanakya's principles and one must read it in his life.
Rating:4/5
Rating:4/5
Read
October 9, 2019It's a very good book for the person who wants to learn leadership and to understand about politics.
October 21, 2019
This book helps us to focus our thoughts,ideas, and how to actually think in a Right way.
February 18, 2020
A good read. Very provocative. The author takes in examples from Chanakya's era as well as the modern era for comparison. A good to read book.
June 15, 2020
A book for leaders 👌
August 12, 2020
Must read.
March 2, 2021
It's a book about thinking, of course I'm going to like it.
August 30, 2021
One of my worst reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews