Basics of life matter in AI age more than ever: New Book

In the journey of life, all people live once, and if they live right with the basics of creation and simplicity, once is enough. Even in this age of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the very basics of human life still lead to inner satisfaction and success today, reveals a new book.

Undoubtedly, several rules of life have changed drastically, and many are struggling to adapt to either old or new ways in the journey ahead. And this dilemma rules the roost with time running out.

In his maiden book ‘30 Lessons From Life’, new-age poet William Charles D’Souza points out many facets of life based on his daily observations and reiterates a simple fact that it is never too late to change and reshape, though it takes one a long time to figure that out.

Highlighting slices of experiences garnered across nearly five decades, he raises the question of priority between family and workplace and notes that when life goes for a toss, the people who stand by you without flinching are your family.

Undoubtedly, he says, there is virtue in work and there should be a virtue in the workplace too.

In the ever-evolving tech-age and cyber solutions, where people are glued to their screens and loneliness is the new emerging poverty, D’Souza urges the new generation to mix in exercises, board games and social services and interact with elders and neighbours while getting sunshine in their lives.

Close to Anne Frank’s observation that deep down, the young are lonelier than the old, this commoner-turned-poet pens: “Never mind societal norms, love whoever reciprocates, Someone who’ll share a movie, trip, or chat on phone, Who shares your joys, in bad times helps and never frets, Only then you’ll have a life partner and never die alone!”

And with mental illnesses forming a “pandemic emblem” in the rush of life, he points out that it is mental health which is true wealth. “Too much attention is paid to being physically fit and fine, And, for most, it’s after encountering a health problem. But talk of mental well-being and many say it’s out of line, despite mental woes now forming a pandemic emblem!” The poet advises people to take care of themselves and others too, and value mental health as its price is known to few.

Hinting at the importance of gratitude in life, even to the ordinary delivery man, he writes, “So, the next time you open your door to receive a parcel, Make it a point to go beyond just that “Thank you”, At least ask if he needs water, if you can, offer a morsel, You’ll get empty bottle to refill, far more times than few!”

According to him, in the rush of life, problems spawn if one stays away, but networking with neighbours makes one’s day. The poet proposes to learn music, a magic that transcends what all people do, to transform a life marked by ups and downs. After all, where words fail, music speaks!

Is the emerging ecosystem a place of reference, not a place of living or surviving?