Uphill: How to Apply Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science to Life’s Choices and Challenges

by Sam Sivarajan

A gritty and compelling narrative non-fiction book that expertly combines the lessons of modern behavioral science with the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosophy. Retracing the story of Devin, a corporate professional who finds himself the victim of a sudden and undeserved termination, this book follows his gruelling bucket list adventure to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, along with the profound insights he uncovers from his trekking guide and mentor. As an antidote to the fear, pain, and uncertainty of modern life’s challenges, Uphill distils timeless wisdom, revealing how Stoicism provides deeply practical tools for professionals in the modern day. Artfully written with flowing prose and larger-than-life characters, Devin’s fascinating adventure to conquer Kilimanjaro frames insightful advice through a charming and exotic story, making it an essential read for anybody searching for a way to meet life’s challenges head-on. Grab your copy of Uphill: How to Apply Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science to Life’s Choices and Challenges , and apply proven ancient wisdom to overcome your modern challenges, today!

228 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2022

About the author

I am an author, seasoned financial and start-up executive, and behavioral scientist with over 25 years of international experience in the finance sector. Having successfully led teams and built businesses at some of the largest firms in wealth management and investment banking, I try to distil my knowledge and experience into practical advice that everyday people can use to pursue financial literacy and make better choices.

In my debut book, 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, I share actionable ideas to help people make better financial choices and achieve financial health. In my second book, 𝑼𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒍: 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝑨𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆’𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔, I move from the world of finance and investing to marry ancient stoic wisdom with modern behavioral science and share frameworks and tools to help people deal with setbacks and make better personal choices – in investing, in building and growing businesses, in leading teams, and in their personal lives.

My work has appeared in several academic and mainstream publications as well as broadcast media. I earned my MBA and JD degrees from the University of Toronto, and my Doctorate in Behavioural Finance from the University of Manchester.

Away from my desk, I like adventure and love tackling new challenges. Some memorable experiences include summiting Kilimanjaro and Gran Paradiso in the Italian Alps, trekking the Himalayas and the Andes, cycling 1400 km from London to Monaco, and setting a personal best at the Boston Marathon. Closer to home, you can find me reading, hanging out with friends, and planning my next adventure.

Reviews

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a friend of the author and admire his work. That said, I’d like to present what I consider to be a fair review of “Uphill”. I've tried to hide my obvious bias.

Uphill is a story about the author’s transformation after been fired from a firm where he had enjoyed many years of success. It’s a story of letting go your previous life and thinking to make room for new possibilities told in a teacher-learner format, based on a trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s also a story about how Stoical Thinking and Behavioral Economics. can help you refocus and find “New ladders to climb”.

I liked the way Sam told his story through interactions with his mentor and guide along the climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. People relate to stories more than facts and this was a good device. It’s quite practical – especially for those who want to reinvent their lives.

There was nothing I didn’t like about the book and I feel that Sam will only evolve as a writer – as this too is a ladder than one must climb.

Great work man. I liked it.