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Culture: 50 Insights from Mythology
How do myths and stories influence culture? What is the difference between one culture and another, and how did these differences come to be? Are cultures fixed or do they change over time?
Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, breaks down the complex maze of stories, symbols and rituals to examine how they shape cultures. He investigates how stories influence perception and construct truths, the cultural roots of the notion of evil and reveals the need for mythology through a telling of various Indian and Western myths. In doing so, he shows how myths reflect the culture they emerge from while simultaneously reinforcing the source.
Culture is a groundbreaking work that contextualizes mythology and proposes that myths are alive, dynamic, shaped by perception and the times one lives in.
Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, breaks down the complex maze of stories, symbols and rituals to examine how they shape cultures. He investigates how stories influence perception and construct truths, the cultural roots of the notion of evil and reveals the need for mythology through a telling of various Indian and Western myths. In doing so, he shows how myths reflect the culture they emerge from while simultaneously reinforcing the source.
Culture is a groundbreaking work that contextualizes mythology and proposes that myths are alive, dynamic, shaped by perception and the times one lives in.
- GenresMythologyNonfictionIndia
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2018
33 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
287 books3,333 followersDr. 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 6, 2020
22nd book of 2020 (146 Books read overall)
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'Wisdom makes us kinder, gentler, humbler, not angry revolutionaries - for every revolution will also die, eventually, inevitably.' (Loc. 471)
Rating - 3.5 Stars
*Important take from the book* - Mythology is symbolic. It must not be taken literally. Ideas are communicated through male and female forms. For example, a male form represents the king while a female form represents the kingdom, thus indicating mutual dependence. Without either there is neither. Somewhere along the way, there was confusion between idea and the form (vehicle of the idea). Rather than representing kingship, men became identified with kings, while women, rather than representing as the kingdom, become identified as the kingdom, hence property. (Loc. 814)
Plot Summary - How do myths and stories influence culture? What is the difference between one culture and another, and how did these differences come to be? Are cultures fixed or do they change over time? Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, breaks down the complex maze of stories, symbols and rituals to examine how they shape cultures. He investigates how stories influence perception and construct truths, the cultural roots of the notion of evil and reveal the need for mythology through a telling of various Indian and Western myths. In doing so, he shows how myths reflect the culture they emerge from while simultaneously reinforcing the source. Culture is a groundbreaking work that contextualizes mythology and proposes that myths are alive, dynamic, shaped by perception and the times one lives in.
My Review - This book seemed a rather 'not for me' initially but as I proceeded with I felt admiration towards the tales the author accumulated in this book. This book talks about 50 Insights from Hindu Mythology which includes some stories, some tales and some rituals which we see in our everyday life but actually don't understand the deeper meaning behind it. Like the insight about Rangoli or the image of Krishna's (Baal Gopal) image of sitting on a Banayan Leaf with him sucking his feet's thumb. These stories and illustrations are soo common yet the meaning behind is unknown to the masses. Thus, come in this book. This book decodes some of the tales and rituals and helps us understand our culture better. A recommended book who like to be open-minded and want to know the deeper and actual meaning behind several things from Hindu culture.
Conclusion - Keep your mind open. Some stories are just amazing and some could've been written with more inputs.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'Wisdom makes us kinder, gentler, humbler, not angry revolutionaries - for every revolution will also die, eventually, inevitably.' (Loc. 471)
Rating - 3.5 Stars
*Important take from the book* - Mythology is symbolic. It must not be taken literally. Ideas are communicated through male and female forms. For example, a male form represents the king while a female form represents the kingdom, thus indicating mutual dependence. Without either there is neither. Somewhere along the way, there was confusion between idea and the form (vehicle of the idea). Rather than representing kingship, men became identified with kings, while women, rather than representing as the kingdom, become identified as the kingdom, hence property. (Loc. 814)
Plot Summary - How do myths and stories influence culture? What is the difference between one culture and another, and how did these differences come to be? Are cultures fixed or do they change over time? Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, breaks down the complex maze of stories, symbols and rituals to examine how they shape cultures. He investigates how stories influence perception and construct truths, the cultural roots of the notion of evil and reveal the need for mythology through a telling of various Indian and Western myths. In doing so, he shows how myths reflect the culture they emerge from while simultaneously reinforcing the source. Culture is a groundbreaking work that contextualizes mythology and proposes that myths are alive, dynamic, shaped by perception and the times one lives in.
My Review - This book seemed a rather 'not for me' initially but as I proceeded with I felt admiration towards the tales the author accumulated in this book. This book talks about 50 Insights from Hindu Mythology which includes some stories, some tales and some rituals which we see in our everyday life but actually don't understand the deeper meaning behind it. Like the insight about Rangoli or the image of Krishna's (Baal Gopal) image of sitting on a Banayan Leaf with him sucking his feet's thumb. These stories and illustrations are soo common yet the meaning behind is unknown to the masses. Thus, come in this book. This book decodes some of the tales and rituals and helps us understand our culture better. A recommended book who like to be open-minded and want to know the deeper and actual meaning behind several things from Hindu culture.
Conclusion - Keep your mind open. Some stories are just amazing and some could've been written with more inputs.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
July 29, 2018
One big lesson from the book:
Intent is bigger than any rule/law.
P.S. : Good one to look at mythology from different perspectives + Some stories that B.R. Chopra forgot to tell in his version of Mahabharata.
Intent is bigger than any rule/law.
P.S. : Good one to look at mythology from different perspectives + Some stories that B.R. Chopra forgot to tell in his version of Mahabharata.
March 27, 2020
Gave totally different perspective of mythology.
October 11, 2022
These are 50 musings from the author based on his interpretation of Hindu mythology. Sometimes I missed the 'So what?' or the conclusion but we have to remember that it is just his thoughts/ ideas and not an analysis. Nevertheless, there are some very interesting ideas that deserve further exploration. The author talks about dharma and rules, the notion of right and wrong, genders, family business, nomad vs farmer mindset, stories and culture, human ability to imagine, rituals, sexuality, suicide, etc.
The 50 chapters aren't connected to each other, but there are some common themes that occur in many of them - such as the Western vs the Hindu philosophy, the traditional vs the modern, right wing vs left wing, Ram & Krishna, etc.
There are some ideas I particularly enjoyed and pondered over, for example, how the Western philosophy and/or Abrahamic religions are based on a beginning and an end - a Genesis and an Apocalypse. Hindu philosophy on the other hand is based on cycles. We believe in rebirth and what is will come again. This means that death and how to lead life have a completely different meaning for us. I was discussing a related point the other day with a friend - during my recent travels to Europe, I explored, like all other tourists, some of their magnificent historical monuments. Nearly each city or town in Europe preserves it's history carefully. They don't throw old letters or personal effects of the people that pass on. On the other hand, in India we see a general apathy toward historical buildings or objects. While some of it is pure neglect, there is also a basic difference in underlying philosophy. Life here is about moving on, no body has time to dwell on the past. One stark way it's exemplified is that in the West, they bury their dead and place a gravestone marker on it and visit it every year. We burn our dead and even spray the remaining ashes into holy rivers so that nothing remains. Ashes to ashes.
Another one that stayed with me was Nautanki & Natyashastra. The former is pop art (music, dance, films, other arts) and the latter is refined. The former entertains, the latter is not for entertainment. It takes effort and faith to understand. The former is for instant gratification, the latter aims for perfection. Earlier both existed, while the former was for the masses, kings and royal courts used to patronise the latter. With the democratisation and commercialisation of the arts (good in some ways perhaps), Nautanki gets all the focus what with the pop music and the item songs. The big bucks are with the mass arts. Nobody takes the time, effort or money to understand or finance the Natyashastra, and we are losing many refined art forms such as folk dances and music, handicrafts, etc.
I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in Hindu mythology as a food for thought.
The 50 chapters aren't connected to each other, but there are some common themes that occur in many of them - such as the Western vs the Hindu philosophy, the traditional vs the modern, right wing vs left wing, Ram & Krishna, etc.
There are some ideas I particularly enjoyed and pondered over, for example, how the Western philosophy and/or Abrahamic religions are based on a beginning and an end - a Genesis and an Apocalypse. Hindu philosophy on the other hand is based on cycles. We believe in rebirth and what is will come again. This means that death and how to lead life have a completely different meaning for us. I was discussing a related point the other day with a friend - during my recent travels to Europe, I explored, like all other tourists, some of their magnificent historical monuments. Nearly each city or town in Europe preserves it's history carefully. They don't throw old letters or personal effects of the people that pass on. On the other hand, in India we see a general apathy toward historical buildings or objects. While some of it is pure neglect, there is also a basic difference in underlying philosophy. Life here is about moving on, no body has time to dwell on the past. One stark way it's exemplified is that in the West, they bury their dead and place a gravestone marker on it and visit it every year. We burn our dead and even spray the remaining ashes into holy rivers so that nothing remains. Ashes to ashes.
Another one that stayed with me was Nautanki & Natyashastra. The former is pop art (music, dance, films, other arts) and the latter is refined. The former entertains, the latter is not for entertainment. It takes effort and faith to understand. The former is for instant gratification, the latter aims for perfection. Earlier both existed, while the former was for the masses, kings and royal courts used to patronise the latter. With the democratisation and commercialisation of the arts (good in some ways perhaps), Nautanki gets all the focus what with the pop music and the item songs. The big bucks are with the mass arts. Nobody takes the time, effort or money to understand or finance the Natyashastra, and we are losing many refined art forms such as folk dances and music, handicrafts, etc.
I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in Hindu mythology as a food for thought.
December 27, 2018
This book is an extremely light read and while some lessons are good, I feel, the others have just been added to add up to the number 50. Stories have been quoted without giving enough context and so people who do not know Greek mythology or Vikram-Betal story might not be able to understand the context entirely in a few lessons - this adds a pre-requisite of knowing these stories which is not worth just for reading the insights in this book. The book does talk about a few great things though, like the difference between nautanki and natyashastra, and the author's perceptions about the incarnations of Vishnu as a king (Rama), an ardent follower of rules and a cow-herder (Krishna), the rule-breaker. The one about nautanki is my favorite chapter because it's so appropriate to the kind of movies that are made today and the shocking reception to the same.
July 11, 2024
Culture, is a word that is so commonly associated with a pattern that’s followed, at times with good reason and a lot of times by just believing there’s a good reason to follow the pattern either because of a generational passage of inculcation or simply fear.
This pattern, lived by for various reasons has a source that makes it possible to create a system that leads to sustenance and growth and Devdutt Pattanaik has provided simple and easy references or links that help to connect the dots between different cultures, their source, acceptance, ever-changing patterns and significance in today’s times.
These 50 insights support the need for “myth” to exist and evolve to inhabit co-existence either through the morals of the tale or the logic supporting its relevance.
It’s fast paced, gives glimpses into aspects one would like to explore in depth and easy to grasp.
This pattern, lived by for various reasons has a source that makes it possible to create a system that leads to sustenance and growth and Devdutt Pattanaik has provided simple and easy references or links that help to connect the dots between different cultures, their source, acceptance, ever-changing patterns and significance in today’s times.
These 50 insights support the need for “myth” to exist and evolve to inhabit co-existence either through the morals of the tale or the logic supporting its relevance.
It’s fast paced, gives glimpses into aspects one would like to explore in depth and easy to grasp.
November 14, 2019
These lines summarize the book well
"When Western academicians started studying the Ramayana, they did so, naturally, with Western prejudices, which included on the one hand the notion of a Christian god who died for the sins of man and on the other, the doctrine of equality and social justice. Viewed through this template, all Hindu gods appear inadequate, especially Rama, the God-king."
Its time indians keep aside the western education goggles and start looking at indian history and indian mythology through a different lense. If you don't know how to go about it, borrow Devdutt Pattanaik's glasses. In love with his work
"When Western academicians started studying the Ramayana, they did so, naturally, with Western prejudices, which included on the one hand the notion of a Christian god who died for the sins of man and on the other, the doctrine of equality and social justice. Viewed through this template, all Hindu gods appear inadequate, especially Rama, the God-king."
Its time indians keep aside the western education goggles and start looking at indian history and indian mythology through a different lense. If you don't know how to go about it, borrow Devdutt Pattanaik's glasses. In love with his work
June 10, 2022
I am a bit skeptical about learning lessons from mythology.
I felt that author had certain beliefs about culture and he used specific tails from Mythology to prove his point. I might be wrong about that.
But I will learn about culture from someone who is getting his hands dirty in the real world than a person who is just sitting on fences and preaching about it.
I like Devdutt Pattnaik and I enjoyed his book "My Geeta" a lot. He also happens to be the only author whom I have met in real life.
I felt that author had certain beliefs about culture and he used specific tails from Mythology to prove his point. I might be wrong about that.
But I will learn about culture from someone who is getting his hands dirty in the real world than a person who is just sitting on fences and preaching about it.
I like Devdutt Pattnaik and I enjoyed his book "My Geeta" a lot. He also happens to be the only author whom I have met in real life.
April 17, 2020
The author has phenomenal knowledge about the Hindu mythology. And while reading this book I figured his grasp on other religions stories is also very good. This book was a little less interesting than his other books. At some point I felt he was ranting his frustrations in some chapters. The context building was lost in few chapters. 1 or 2 chapters ended without any relevance to the title. 4 * for the knowledge.
December 21, 2020
The language is very difficult to read. Sone of the Hindi/Sanskrit language words being translated into englush disconnects the idea the author is trying to give. A very deep and interesting facts from ancient culture are being put here in the book, but the language and writing not able to do justice to the book. After some time one starts to feel disvonnected. Only and only because of writing, the language used.
January 23, 2025
The book compares and contrasts various Indian myths in different contexts, as a means to say something. In my opinion, it paints a more liberal picture of Hinduism, than what it is (or has become).
What I liked about it is that it encourages open dialogue about everything, rather than forming rigid opinions.
"A rule-following Rama can combat a rule-breaking Ravana. But would he succeed against a rule-following villain like Duryodhana?"
What I liked about it is that it encourages open dialogue about everything, rather than forming rigid opinions.
"A rule-following Rama can combat a rule-breaking Ravana. But would he succeed against a rule-following villain like Duryodhana?"
September 29, 2025
First things first -
The book I am reviewing is not this book, but another of this author that is titled "culture" and inside has the words "Not for public distribution". Which is why I couldn't find it on Goodreads.
The book is interesting and offers an understanding into Indian culture, rituals and behaviours from the respective Indian Mythology.
Recommended if you want to know more about Indian culture.
The book I am reviewing is not this book, but another of this author that is titled "culture" and inside has the words "Not for public distribution". Which is why I couldn't find it on Goodreads.
The book is interesting and offers an understanding into Indian culture, rituals and behaviours from the respective Indian Mythology.
Recommended if you want to know more about Indian culture.
May 21, 2025
The book is a good one. The explanation given for the terms ATMA and AHAM is the best and if applied in daily life, it can change a human completely. It is a complete collection of 50 stories some of which are never heard of. These stories have a lot to learn from them. So, you should surely read it. Thank You.
September 23, 2019
Found some of the insights very interesting which have not been shown on the TV versions of historical Indian epics. Some of them include "tale of Oghavati" and "single fathers". One needs to have little context beforehand of some of the stories mentioned in the book.
February 26, 2020
This Book consists of 50 stories of which 1st story is on the story itself. Devdutt asserts that the meaning of the story changes with the storyteller, but the plot remains the same. This story sets the root for the next 49 stories.
It's a light read, and you will definitely get a lot to learn.
It's a light read, and you will definitely get a lot to learn.
Read
November 15, 2018An amusing book to read
a mild interpretation and decent presentation of myth,epic and religious activities
If you enter in and sure you never come out without finishing it
Superb write
a mild interpretation and decent presentation of myth,epic and religious activities
If you enter in and sure you never come out without finishing it
Superb write
August 5, 2019
Insights are insightful, yet not so insightful.
September 15, 2019
One of the best from Devdutt. It is a very interesting read that helps one reflect on today's times, one's actions and beliefs, and understand the roots of our culture. I found it very meaningful.
October 25, 2019
Highly informative, great little pills of wisdom.
September 17, 2020
Good book with many interesting stories from our ancient scriptures.
July 31, 2023
Inspiring
I learnt so much from this book. It also answered many of my questions in Hinduism and Indian cultural practices.
I learnt so much from this book. It also answered many of my questions in Hinduism and Indian cultural practices.
Want to read
October 8, 2023Bookmark...
8 Oct
Chapter 6
Frames of reference
8 Oct
Chapter 6
Frames of reference
August 9, 2025
I think our classic texts lack explanation for why they did, what they did. This gap is rightly filled by Devdutt’s excellent explanation!
February 21, 2022
A fun and easy read for those interested in mythology genre. The book in very simple terms tries to explain some cultural practices and their relevance. The book doesn't intend to go deep into the concepts but definitely good for a light read.
July 23, 2023
Well it's a start to know my origins or origins of every person who belongs to Hinduism. It contemplates on various topics that convey us about our culture or better to use the word "Sanskriti". From basic what a culture is to different versions of Ramayana and Mahabharata, one will get a rough idea to start reading more and more Indian scriptures or scriptures written by Rishi Munis and Bhagvan herself/himself. While reading one may face conflicting ideologies but it will spark the curiosity to read more about it and making way to clear the inner conflict.
April 28, 2021
As the tittle itself says there are 50 authors insights from Mythology.
The book is structured in such a way that there is a story and then the authors comment on it based on current scenarios.
He as taken current scenarios and issues and tried answering it with stories from Mythology.
Do read.
The book is structured in such a way that there is a story and then the authors comment on it based on current scenarios.
He as taken current scenarios and issues and tried answering it with stories from Mythology.
Do read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews