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Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections
The book contains the author’s thoughts and recollections, thoughts on matters ranging from Bhagavad Geetha to Marxism and recollections of personal experiences in life.
If we look at Bhagavad Geetha as something sacred, says the author, we have nothing much to look for since we have no right to question it. But if we take it out of that sanctified plane and critically examine it as the expression of human wisdom, we may be able to assess its relevance for today and for the days to come. .
The author finds a deliberate attempt these days to distort facts and mislead public opinion on many international issues. West Asia, China, Marxism and democracy happen to be some of the unfortunate victims of this vicious campaign. Articles on these topics are meant to present them in their proper perspective. .
Everyone goes through some experience or the other in life which is worthy of remembrance at the old age. The author says he too had such memorable experiences in life. And he recounts some of them with the hope that they would provide interesting ‘light material’ for readers
If we look at Bhagavad Geetha as something sacred, says the author, we have nothing much to look for since we have no right to question it. But if we take it out of that sanctified plane and critically examine it as the expression of human wisdom, we may be able to assess its relevance for today and for the days to come. .
The author finds a deliberate attempt these days to distort facts and mislead public opinion on many international issues. West Asia, China, Marxism and democracy happen to be some of the unfortunate victims of this vicious campaign. Articles on these topics are meant to present them in their proper perspective. .
Everyone goes through some experience or the other in life which is worthy of remembrance at the old age. The author says he too had such memorable experiences in life. And he recounts some of them with the hope that they would provide interesting ‘light material’ for readers
270 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2024
2 people want to read
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October 9, 2024
✦ 𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄: 𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ✦
• Have you considered opposing 𝐁𝐇𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐃-𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀? No, no. Don't get scared. I am not referring to this particular book. Nevertheless, after reading this book, a few specific issues have come to mind for me. 🥂
• This book appears to be more of a 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 from 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 than a profound realization, at least that is how I initially perceived it. Nevertheless, this book is more to me as a reader than that, and I do not think my own arguments can adequately support it. From “ ‘𝐲𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬’ 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰-𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 ‘𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬’ 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝-𝐆𝐢𝐭𝐚…” to “𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤.”, 𝐌 𝐁 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫'𝐬 “𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄: 𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒” revolves around the 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 and 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 at the same time.☕
• With his own words and in a concise manner (which is my favorite part), the author 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 the Bhagavad-Gita. But occasionally, even after you are aware of what happened, you might think it is overblown. You will eventually notice that God's nature is more 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 🌻
• Though written for younger readers, this book shares 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 with 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. With all of this, I believe that the book's cover name casts doubt on the subject matter and detracts from the overall impression of the work. 🍂
• Otherwise, you should absolutely pick it up if you are searching for a book that will help you get a 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 💡
• Have you considered opposing 𝐁𝐇𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐃-𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀? No, no. Don't get scared. I am not referring to this particular book. Nevertheless, after reading this book, a few specific issues have come to mind for me. 🥂
• This book appears to be more of a 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 from 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 than a profound realization, at least that is how I initially perceived it. Nevertheless, this book is more to me as a reader than that, and I do not think my own arguments can adequately support it. From “ ‘𝐲𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬’ 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐧𝐨𝐰-𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 ‘𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬’ 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐝-𝐆𝐢𝐭𝐚…” to “𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤.”, 𝐌 𝐁 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫'𝐬 “𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄: 𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒, 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒” revolves around the 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 and 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 at the same time.☕
• With his own words and in a concise manner (which is my favorite part), the author 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 the Bhagavad-Gita. But occasionally, even after you are aware of what happened, you might think it is overblown. You will eventually notice that God's nature is more 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 🌻
• Though written for younger readers, this book shares 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 with 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. With all of this, I believe that the book's cover name casts doubt on the subject matter and detracts from the overall impression of the work. 🍂
• Otherwise, you should absolutely pick it up if you are searching for a book that will help you get a 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 💡
October 14, 2024
M.B. Nair’s Old Age: Idle Thoughts and Recollections is a thoughtful mix of personal memories and reflections on various global topics. The book is divided into two sections, giving readers insight into both Nair’s views on subjects like the Bhagavad Geetha, Marxism, and international politics, as well as his personal experiences.
In the first section, Nair offers a fresh take on the Bhagavad Geetha, suggesting that we should critically examine it rather than simply accepting it as sacred. His discussions on global issues such as West Asia, Marxism, and democracy are informative, linking past events with current situations.
The second section, called "Recollections," focuses on Nair’s personal life. He shares memories from his time in the Indian Army and his childhood. Through these stories, people like Lakshmi and Sukumaran come to life, giving readers a sense of the social issues and personal challenges people face. Lakshmi’s story, in particular, stands out as a reflection of the struggles many women in India experience.
While the book covers a wide range of topics, the shift between philosophical reflections and personal stories may feel uneven to some readers. However, M.B. Nair’s writing remains sincere and engaging, making the book both insightful and relatable.
In the first section, Nair offers a fresh take on the Bhagavad Geetha, suggesting that we should critically examine it rather than simply accepting it as sacred. His discussions on global issues such as West Asia, Marxism, and democracy are informative, linking past events with current situations.
The second section, called "Recollections," focuses on Nair’s personal life. He shares memories from his time in the Indian Army and his childhood. Through these stories, people like Lakshmi and Sukumaran come to life, giving readers a sense of the social issues and personal challenges people face. Lakshmi’s story, in particular, stands out as a reflection of the struggles many women in India experience.
While the book covers a wide range of topics, the shift between philosophical reflections and personal stories may feel uneven to some readers. However, M.B. Nair’s writing remains sincere and engaging, making the book both insightful and relatable.
October 19, 2024
M. B. Nair’s Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections is a reflective and thoughtful blend of philosophical musings and personal memories, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the author's perspective on some of life's most profound themes—Bhagavad Gita, Marxism, and the socio-political landscape of our times.
The strength of the book lies in the way Nair approaches the Bhagavad Gita. He boldly challenges the conventional notion of treating it as untouchable and sacred. Instead, he encourages readers to examine it critically as an expression of human wisdom. This approach gives the text a fresh relevance, reminding us that timeless philosophies should be questioned and understood through a modern lens. This is not just an intellectual exercise but also a critique of blind faith that could serve as a guide for today's generation.
The book shines through Nair's insightful commentaries on global issues like West Asia, China, Marxism, and democracy. He addresses the deliberate misinformation being spread on these topics and provides clarity by presenting them in their true light. One of the book's subtle but important themes is the author’s attempt to balance meaninglessness and meaningfulness in life. Nair's perspective is deeply human, acknowledging the futility of many pursuits, yet cherishing the profound lessons they offer.
The title of the book does not aptly justify the depth of its content. At first glance, Old Age: Idle Thoughts might mislead a reader into thinking the book is merely nostalgic or frivolous, when it’s actually quite philosophical and rich in socio-political commentary.
Despite this, Nair’s defense of the Bhagavad Gita and his exploration of how politics intertwines with religion make for thought-provoking reading. Readers searching for a clearer understanding of Marxism and the complexities of God will find this book valuable, as it simplifies big ideas without losing their essence.
It’s more than a simple recounting of memories—it’s a deeply philosophical work that forces readers to grapple with the nature of faith, politics, and personal growth. Though not a profound realization in every aspect, it certainly provides valuable insight and serves as an engaging read.
The strength of the book lies in the way Nair approaches the Bhagavad Gita. He boldly challenges the conventional notion of treating it as untouchable and sacred. Instead, he encourages readers to examine it critically as an expression of human wisdom. This approach gives the text a fresh relevance, reminding us that timeless philosophies should be questioned and understood through a modern lens. This is not just an intellectual exercise but also a critique of blind faith that could serve as a guide for today's generation.
The book shines through Nair's insightful commentaries on global issues like West Asia, China, Marxism, and democracy. He addresses the deliberate misinformation being spread on these topics and provides clarity by presenting them in their true light. One of the book's subtle but important themes is the author’s attempt to balance meaninglessness and meaningfulness in life. Nair's perspective is deeply human, acknowledging the futility of many pursuits, yet cherishing the profound lessons they offer.
The title of the book does not aptly justify the depth of its content. At first glance, Old Age: Idle Thoughts might mislead a reader into thinking the book is merely nostalgic or frivolous, when it’s actually quite philosophical and rich in socio-political commentary.
Despite this, Nair’s defense of the Bhagavad Gita and his exploration of how politics intertwines with religion make for thought-provoking reading. Readers searching for a clearer understanding of Marxism and the complexities of God will find this book valuable, as it simplifies big ideas without losing their essence.
It’s more than a simple recounting of memories—it’s a deeply philosophical work that forces readers to grapple with the nature of faith, politics, and personal growth. Though not a profound realization in every aspect, it certainly provides valuable insight and serves as an engaging read.
October 26, 2024
-Life lessons from a stalwart-
Review of 'Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections' by MB Nair
✒️📖
This book is an extract of life lessons the author has learned in his illustrious career. MB Nair is a decorated army officer who participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. He has presented a distillation of the nuggets of the wisdom he has earned so that youngster can learn from his experiences. According to him, everyone goes through life experienced which can be used to provide for a 'light reading material'. He has skilfully written about his thoughts on the burning spiritual, political and philosophical topics as well as has shared his anecdotes with the readers.
The book, as is it's title, is divided into idle thoughts and recollectios. The former are the essays on meaning of Gita, political turmoil in West Asia, intrusion of China, importance of democracy and Marxism, inspiring the readers and putting them on a path of self discovery and emancipation. The latter are the anecdotes from his life.
One of my favorite stories from the book is where the author meets his childhood friend Lakshmi in 'Lakshmi and her small world'. He reminisces that she preferred playing the game of husband-wife when they were young. She would go on to tell the author that husband goes out to work and sometimes drinks and wife remains at home and finishes up the chores. When the author comes back to his village years later, he eerily finds an old Lakshmi going through the same rigmarole that she had innocently believed in her childhood. When her husband comes home drunk, she rushes inside to hide, perhaps you escape the beatings he regularly administered. Author writes- 'Lakshmi's image remained stuck to my mind for quite some time. Her life seemed to me a miserable existence without any hope or expectation. When winter comes, can spring be far behind?' asks the English poet Shelly in his Ode to the west Wind.Well, Mister Shelly, for a person like Lakshmi, winter can go on without an end in sight, and spring may remain a mirage.'
These are kernels of wisdom strewn across these pages. Read it for the distillation of the life experiences of a wise man.
Review of 'Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections' by MB Nair
✒️📖
This book is an extract of life lessons the author has learned in his illustrious career. MB Nair is a decorated army officer who participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. He has presented a distillation of the nuggets of the wisdom he has earned so that youngster can learn from his experiences. According to him, everyone goes through life experienced which can be used to provide for a 'light reading material'. He has skilfully written about his thoughts on the burning spiritual, political and philosophical topics as well as has shared his anecdotes with the readers.
The book, as is it's title, is divided into idle thoughts and recollectios. The former are the essays on meaning of Gita, political turmoil in West Asia, intrusion of China, importance of democracy and Marxism, inspiring the readers and putting them on a path of self discovery and emancipation. The latter are the anecdotes from his life.
One of my favorite stories from the book is where the author meets his childhood friend Lakshmi in 'Lakshmi and her small world'. He reminisces that she preferred playing the game of husband-wife when they were young. She would go on to tell the author that husband goes out to work and sometimes drinks and wife remains at home and finishes up the chores. When the author comes back to his village years later, he eerily finds an old Lakshmi going through the same rigmarole that she had innocently believed in her childhood. When her husband comes home drunk, she rushes inside to hide, perhaps you escape the beatings he regularly administered. Author writes- 'Lakshmi's image remained stuck to my mind for quite some time. Her life seemed to me a miserable existence without any hope or expectation. When winter comes, can spring be far behind?' asks the English poet Shelly in his Ode to the west Wind.Well, Mister Shelly, for a person like Lakshmi, winter can go on without an end in sight, and spring may remain a mirage.'
These are kernels of wisdom strewn across these pages. Read it for the distillation of the life experiences of a wise man.
October 12, 2024
Old Age: Idle Thoughts and Recollections by M. B. Nair is a deeply reflective and insightful book that intertwines personal memories with the author's critical perspectives on diverse global and philosophical topics.
The book is structured into two distinct parts. The first half focuses on Nair's thoughts on key subjects like the Bhagavad Geeta, the Israel-Hamas conflict, China’s geopolitical strategies, democracy’s evolution, and the relevance of Marxism. Nair’s detailed historical context, coupled with his personal introspections, offers readers a nuanced understanding of these complex issues. His inclusion of an English translation of verses 1-27 from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Geeta is a highlight, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary analysis.
In the second part, Nair delves into the personal, sharing vivid recollections of his own life and the lives of those around him. His reflections touch on themes of friendship, life’s injustices, loneliness, and the human condition. Through characters like his childhood playmate Lakshmi and Sukumaran, he explores existential questions about fate and destiny. Nair also recounts his army days, his poignant encounter with renowned novelist Takazhi Shivashankara Pillai, and the impactful memories of figures like Soldier Vinayak Waidande. The author's personal stories—ranging from his harrowing experiences during the India-Pakistan war to his reflections on school days and his relationships with his wife and mother—paint a vivid picture of a life marked by both joy and hardship.
Throughout the book, Nair’s writing is enriched by his use of English poetry and literary references, adding charm and depth to his reflections. The overall narrative reflects thorough research and thoughtful introspection, offering readers both a broad understanding of global events and an intimate glimpse into the author's life.
The book is structured into two distinct parts. The first half focuses on Nair's thoughts on key subjects like the Bhagavad Geeta, the Israel-Hamas conflict, China’s geopolitical strategies, democracy’s evolution, and the relevance of Marxism. Nair’s detailed historical context, coupled with his personal introspections, offers readers a nuanced understanding of these complex issues. His inclusion of an English translation of verses 1-27 from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Geeta is a highlight, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary analysis.
In the second part, Nair delves into the personal, sharing vivid recollections of his own life and the lives of those around him. His reflections touch on themes of friendship, life’s injustices, loneliness, and the human condition. Through characters like his childhood playmate Lakshmi and Sukumaran, he explores existential questions about fate and destiny. Nair also recounts his army days, his poignant encounter with renowned novelist Takazhi Shivashankara Pillai, and the impactful memories of figures like Soldier Vinayak Waidande. The author's personal stories—ranging from his harrowing experiences during the India-Pakistan war to his reflections on school days and his relationships with his wife and mother—paint a vivid picture of a life marked by both joy and hardship.
Throughout the book, Nair’s writing is enriched by his use of English poetry and literary references, adding charm and depth to his reflections. The overall narrative reflects thorough research and thoughtful introspection, offering readers both a broad understanding of global events and an intimate glimpse into the author's life.
October 3, 2024
Cover has such a beautiful silhouette of an elder person, in the sunset signifying the olden age of life just like a serene second half of a day.
The book explores the author’s thoughts on various life matters and personal experiences.
The author discusses topics ranging from the Bhagavad Geetha to Marxism and democracy.
As a student of Sanskrit, the author easily understood the Bhagavad Geetha in its original form. I liked his understands and perspectives.
He used commentaries by Swamy Vivekananda and Tilak for additional guidance while reading.
The author emphasizes critical examination of the Bhagavad Geetha for modern-day relevance.
The book criticizes the distortion of facts in international issues like West Asia and China.
he also shares a balanced view on democracy, Marxism, and current global topics. Quite insightful to learn.
He shares personal life experiences, hoping to provide light and interesting reading.
The Recollections part of the book focuses on memorable moments worth remembering in old age.
Overall, the book is a mix of philosophical reflections and personal life experiences. Beautiful.
The book explores the author’s thoughts on various life matters and personal experiences.
The author discusses topics ranging from the Bhagavad Geetha to Marxism and democracy.
As a student of Sanskrit, the author easily understood the Bhagavad Geetha in its original form. I liked his understands and perspectives.
He used commentaries by Swamy Vivekananda and Tilak for additional guidance while reading.
The author emphasizes critical examination of the Bhagavad Geetha for modern-day relevance.
The book criticizes the distortion of facts in international issues like West Asia and China.
he also shares a balanced view on democracy, Marxism, and current global topics. Quite insightful to learn.
He shares personal life experiences, hoping to provide light and interesting reading.
The Recollections part of the book focuses on memorable moments worth remembering in old age.
Overall, the book is a mix of philosophical reflections and personal life experiences. Beautiful.
December 20, 2024
Old Age: Idle Thoughts and Recollection by M.B. Nair is a collection of author's personal memories and a slight reflection on general global topics. The author has put various topics into this book. Topics like Bhagavad Geeta, and the on going Israel attacks on Gaza, Democracy and Marxism with the reference of historical context which makes the readers mind more clearer and knowledgeable.
While the second part of the book describes the author's personal life experiences with his friendship, war and existential reason. Point to be noted that the author was in the Army too. Also he has shared his life story back while he was in the Army.
I literally loved the way the author had given the in depth reference of literary references that makes my interest more indulging. If had a chance to be a new reader to this book then I would love to. It had a great impact upon me. Totally recommended.
While the second part of the book describes the author's personal life experiences with his friendship, war and existential reason. Point to be noted that the author was in the Army too. Also he has shared his life story back while he was in the Army.
I literally loved the way the author had given the in depth reference of literary references that makes my interest more indulging. If had a chance to be a new reader to this book then I would love to. It had a great impact upon me. Totally recommended.
October 3, 2024
"The village where I spent my childhood days had gone beyond recognition when I saw it again twenty-five years later."
This book consists of the thoughts and recollections that the author, M B Nair, has spoken to. It also has his life experiences. Since he was a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, he has put forth a lot of his experiences in some of the major operations.
The most interesting fact about the book is that he has explained about Bhagavad Gita, China, Marxism, etc. In the second part, named 'Recollections', the author narrates a few incidents that he remembers strongly from his past. My favorite amongst those was Lakshmi's story because I felt it's the story of many women across the country.
Though I learned a lot from the author's life, I found the book to be average overall. I would consider this to be a one-time read and give it 3.5/5 stars.
This book consists of the thoughts and recollections that the author, M B Nair, has spoken to. It also has his life experiences. Since he was a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, he has put forth a lot of his experiences in some of the major operations.
The most interesting fact about the book is that he has explained about Bhagavad Gita, China, Marxism, etc. In the second part, named 'Recollections', the author narrates a few incidents that he remembers strongly from his past. My favorite amongst those was Lakshmi's story because I felt it's the story of many women across the country.
Though I learned a lot from the author's life, I found the book to be average overall. I would consider this to be a one-time read and give it 3.5/5 stars.
October 17, 2024
It is a thoughtful book that mixes personal stories with deep ideas. The author believes we should think about what the teachings from Bhagavad Geetha mean for us today. He also discusses complex topics like Marxism and international relations, showing how public opinions can sometimes be misleading.
The personal stories Nair has shared in "Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections" are some of the best parts of it. They remind us how valuable our own experiences can be. These stories highlight themes of aging, memory and wisdom, making his ideas relatable and meaningful.
The writing is a simple and easy to understand.
This book is not just a collection of thoughts; it invites us to reflect on our own life journeys and the lessons we learn along the way. Nair’s work is a valuable contribution to understanding aging and finding meaning in our lives.
The personal stories Nair has shared in "Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections" are some of the best parts of it. They remind us how valuable our own experiences can be. These stories highlight themes of aging, memory and wisdom, making his ideas relatable and meaningful.
The writing is a simple and easy to understand.
This book is not just a collection of thoughts; it invites us to reflect on our own life journeys and the lessons we learn along the way. Nair’s work is a valuable contribution to understanding aging and finding meaning in our lives.
November 15, 2024
Old Age: Idle Thoughts, Recollections by M.B. Nair is a reflective book that shares the author's insights and experiences on significant themes. Central to the narrative is the Bhagavad Gita, which he examines through a modern lens, highlighting its relevance in contemporary life. The author thoughtfully addresses sensitive historical issues, prompting readers to engage critically with their implications today.
In the second part, he shifts his focus to global politics, discussing ideologies like democracy and Marxism. His personal anecdotes enrich the analysis, offering a relatable context for his views. Overall, this book combines personal reflection with broader societal commentary, inviting readers to explore the world around them.
In the second part, he shifts his focus to global politics, discussing ideologies like democracy and Marxism. His personal anecdotes enrich the analysis, offering a relatable context for his views. Overall, this book combines personal reflection with broader societal commentary, inviting readers to explore the world around them.
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