2 days ago
‘Manifest Your Infinite Riches': Beyond Wealth, Towards Contentment
Pushkar Anand's book is a key addition to self-help literature primarily because of the attention it pays to other important pursuits of life along with acquisition of wealth
Self-help literature as a genre is characterised by a predictable narrative arc—tapping into human potential for improvement using a few hacks and drawing inspiration often from the rich and the famous. The philosophy is deceptively simple: making money through hard work is a virtue that one must inculcate. The end remains the same; it is the unique means that every self-help book draws our attention to. Everyday practices are made to look like art by defining them in a spiritual vocabulary; then exemplars are sought among the most successful materialists.
Pushkar Anand's Manifest Your Infinite Riches, while largely sticking to the tried and tested formula of the genre, makes a crucial contribution by compelling us to turn our attention towards contentment. The book, it seems, asks us this question: what if happiness is not guaranteed in spite of success? Or what if accumulation of wealth does not translate into a feeling of abundance within? In trying to offer answers to these questions, the author suggests that we turn inwards and not seek inspiration elsewhere. It is a twofold path that the author asks his readers to follow to attain true happiness. This requires combining inner peace with material prosperity.
There are two major principles that the book postulates: the 'Six Statutes of Money" and the 'Multi-Pronged Model to Manifest Your Infinite Riches". Eschewing the head-versus-heart conundrum, the first principle requires an individual to invest both their mind and heart in order to achieve the desired means. It is important to note that Anand advocates a to-each-his-own model whereby every individual is at liberty to choose their methods and routine practices to achieve success. The second principle, termed the 'Multi-Pronged Model to Manifest Your Infinite Riches," is pragmatic in nature and outlines specific practices that need to be followed on a daily basis for attainment of desired goals. It pays equal attention to mindfulness, channelling energies in the right direction in a disciplined manner, and repeating one's actions until those have been perfected.
What distinguishes Anand from most 'influencers' of the field is that he does not promise to solve problems instantaneously. Instead, what he insists upon is discipline and practice. The methods proposed by the author also help one resist the breakneck speed of modern life, which often takes a toll on the human body and mind.
Manifest Your Infinite Riches is an important addition to self-help literature primarily because of the attention it pays to other important pursuits of life along with acquisition of wealth. It also reiterates what has become the need of the hour—striking a balance between ambition and personal well-being. Written in lucid prose, the book is eminently readable and will connect with readers. It will also provide ample opportunity to engage in an activity that is slowly becoming inconspicuous—reading and reflecting upon life at a desirably slow pace.
Shikha Vats teaches at IIIT Bhubaneswar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
