Wisdom in fragments

Asserting that one is healthy without being fit is a tough proposition. The hard truth is that a lack of fitness tends to correlate with subpar health, and this isn't a bold claim on my part – it's a conclusion that is well-supported by objective research.

Exercise scientist & muscle physiology researcher at California State University

Your body was built to handle stress, making it one of your most high-performing functions. However, it's not always productive to view stress as something that needs to be mitigated.

Exercise scientist & muscle physiology researcher at California State University

Most of the time, this isn't the case. Physiology is, in fact, largely malleable. While genetics indeed play a role in our overall health and capabilities, the impact of lifestyle factors and habits often outweighs genetic predispositions, primarily because we have control over these factors while we can't alter our genetics.

Exercise scientist & muscle physiology researcher at California State University

We possess an essence deeper than mere job titles, yet society often deviates us from it. We're conditioned to identify with our roles more than our core selves.

Focus on activities that offer intrinsic joy regardless of the eventual outcome. By revealing in the process, without being fixated on outcomes, you become better equipped to navigate challenging situations.

Self-confidence is about believing in your capabilities, while self-esteem is loving yourself irrespective of outcomes. Both are crucial.

There's a misconception that outstanding work and profound well-being are mutually exclusive. But in reality, both are crucial for lasting success—emphasis on 'lasting'.

This essence is an inner necessity that yearns to be expressed. When you allow this essence to shine through, it rejuvenates you. It fosters creativity, energy, and imagination. However, when you suppress it, feelings of depletion, exhaustion, and burnout take over.

80% of ten-year-olds in these countries struggle with basic comprehension, even though they can technically read individual words. This lack of understanding severely hinders their future productivity.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

If an average developing nation had the UK's primary and secondary education level, it would be approximately 40% wealthier. It's indisputable that education makes individuals highly productive, making countries richer in the long run.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

Our goal is to pinpoint where we can create the most value for humanity per dollar, rupee, or shilling spent. This isn't usually something that makes you wealthy, but it does a significant amount of good in three ways: it helps people survive and stay healthy rather than falling ill or dying; it alleviates poverty; and it improves the environment.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

The issue you're worried about, the one you're likely spending most of your time discussing, isn't the only problem in the world. We tend to lose sight of this because we often perceive our immediate tasks as the most crucial. Given the multitude of issues we need to address, the goal shouldn't be to resolve a single problem in an exhaustive and expensive way.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

World leaders have promised everything to everyone. But they are failing. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals are supposed to be delivered by 2030. The goals literally promise everything, like eradicating poverty, hunger and disease; stopping war and climate change, ending corruption, fixing education along with countless other promises. This year, the world is at halftime for its promises, but nowhere near halfway.

Environmental Economist & Author Known for Challenging Climate Alarmism

We can use the pain of our past as a catapult propelling us forward. As the saying goes, 'the best revenge is a life well-lived.' So, the most gratifying way to spite all those who tried to harm me during my childhood is to say, 'Look at me now; I'm speaking to Vikas Shah, 50 years later.'

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

Seneca elucidates how a tree needs exposure to wind stressors to grow strong and establish deep roots. Without such stressors, it becomes brittle and can break off easily. I argue that a crucial aspect of excelling at the game of life is to expose oneself to stressors that, hopefully, won't be fatal. As the saying goes, 'what does not kill you makes you stronger.'

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

My argument is that happiness shouldn't be pursued deliberately. Happiness is more of a by-product, a downstream effect of making sound decisions, and adopting the right mindset. I cite a quote from Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, in his book, 'Man's Search for Meaning'. He posits that success shouldn't be sought deliberately but rather, it's something that materialises when one is engaged in meaningful endeavours. This logic applies perfectly to happiness as well.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research