In the book The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, Eric Jorgenson has curated and distilled the insight of entrepreneur and angel investor Naval Ravikant into a reflective yet approachable guide through living a full life. Wholly unique and set apart from another self-help or how-to on finance, this is more of a meditative journey into the reader’s conception of what wealth and happiness truly are. The ideas in the book are from Naval’s tweets, podcasts, and other appearances; they’re all put together in one single narrative that implores people to lead more enriched lives, not just financially but also emotionally and intellectually.

The book is partitioned into two main parts: “Wealth” and “Happiness.” This partition in itself points to Naval’s core belief that true success necessarily encompasses financial independence coupled with inner peace. He emphasizes that wealth is not about luxury; it is about freedom, and that seems to be the echoing theme throughout all of his advice.

Naval probably says it best in the very beginning of the book: “All the returns in life, whether in wealth, relationships, or knowledge come from compound interest.” This basically summarized his whole philosophy wherein he believed greater benefits came from sustained effort over a period of time-be it relationship-building, growth of knowledge, or accrual of wealth. What helps make Naval’s philosophy concerning wealth special is a much greater emphasis on leverage: using technology, capital, or people in multiplying one’s efforts. He wants readers to pursue unique skills and knowledge they can leverage in creating value, thereby riming them with wealth. To give an example, he says, “If you can’t code, write books and blogs, record videos and podcasts. Leverage is the force multiplier on your efforts.” The freeing concept here is that it underlines how anyone can create that financial independence foundation, given the proper mindset and approach.

His further thoughts on wealth involve one aligning their values with career choices. He talks about playing “long-term games with long-term people.” Because as our world seems to go increasingly fast, placing so much value upon quick success and quick benefit, Naval rallies for the power of patience and deep relationships. In my eyes, it means that this truly feels like an authentic counter-narrative to the fast-moving culture that defines so much of our lives today.

As Naval would say, trust and integrity pay dividends in the long term, both in financial and personal ways in one’s life, and a network of reliable relationships can be the best asset in life.

Full Cry, the second part of the book, deals with “Happiness” in detail-Naval’s views on inner peace and fulfillment. No doubt, his thoughts upon happiness have been deeply affixed with mindfulness and self-awareness, and he preaches a philosophy of detachment and acceptance.

So, Naval says, “Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” This is such a profound observation because it underlines an incessant struggle naturally attached to the unwavering pursuit of unending external achievements or possession. He offers instead that happiness can only be released by letting go of the attachments and expectations that too often result in dissatisfaction.

Naval’s views on happiness seem to be about breaking out from the social moulds defining success and establishing it on one’s terms. He further elaborates on having a mentally clear mind: “The three big things in life are wealth, health, and happiness. We pursue them in that order, but their importance is in the reverse.” That just struck a chord within me. Often, if not always, we condition ourselves to pursue wealth as an ultimate goal and deny health and happiness the front seat. In this, Naval invites the reader to change the equation and pursue life that is in balance with personal values. 

This book also contains some practical advice for reaching such a state of peace. Naval advocates for meditation, self-inquiry, and introspection toward developing better understanding of one’s desires and motivations. His thoughts on solitude, in particular, are worth reading. He asserts that being left alone-just with one’s thoughts and with minimal distractions-one gets to grow in self-sufficiency and, therefore, in peace. “I would rather be healthy and alone than sick with someone,” he says, underlining the degree to which self-care and being content are the foundation of happiness. 

Overall, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant takes a holistic approach to the subject of wealth and happiness, merging the practical with the philosophical. It is not only about how to be independent financially but also about how to be truly content as a person. Jorgenson has done a great work in organizing Naval’s thoughts, so wide-ranging, into some sort of structured guide on how to take some pretty complex ideas and put them into practice-and easily digest them.

It is a quoted and principled book in every section, which almost makes them mini-meditations on life and thus is so easily reread multiple times. In short, it is not a book to read; it is a book of reflection. The philosophy of Naval Ravikant on “compound interest” holds value for personal growth just as much as it does for finance in compelling people to invest in themselves through patience, consistency, and mindfulness. I loved Naval’s ideas; to me, they were refreshing, challenging, and really transformational, whether in personal or professional growth. His insights make this book so empowering, whether it is used to build up external success or internal peace.

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA (BITS, Pilani), MHA, 
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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