Introduction
A recent discussion with my mentor, Magesh ( LinkedIn), left me with a lot to reflect on.
As always, his insights were thought-provoking and challenged many of my existing beliefs. We talked about life, philosophy, entrepreneurship, charity, investments, and much more. Here’s a summary of our conversation and key takeaways.
Movies to Watch & Their Impact
Magesh recommended watching Society of the Snow movie, a gripping adaptation of a true story. In return, I suggested Schindler’s List, an academy award winning powerful film aboout the Holocaust. He also mentioned Meiyazhagan, a soulful Tamil movie that carries a deep message. These movies, though different, all have a common thread—how human resilience, kindness, and unintended actions can create profound impact.
Charity & Helping Others: Two Schools of Thought
When it comes to helping others, there are two perspectives:
1. Intentional Giving.
2: Unconditional Giving.
1. Intentional Giving | பாத்திரம் அறிந்து பிச்சையிடு
“Help should be given at the right time, in the right amount, and to those who truly need it.” In Tamil, the saying is “தேவையான உதவியை, தேவைப்படும் நேரத்தில், தேவையான அளவில் உதவி செய்ய வேண்டும்.” This approach focuses on strategic, sustainable assistance.
2. Unconditional Giving
“Give without expectations.” Sometimes, we cannot determine who truly deserves help, so it’s better to give selflessly and trust the process.
A great example of the latter is from Meiyazhagan, where a character leaves behind an old bicycle without knowing it would change someone else’s life. What seems trivial to us may be life-changing for someone else.
Ways to Make an Impact
- Through Charity: Invest in meaningful causes, such as sponsoring education for a deserving child and mentoring them.
- Through Entrepreneurship: Invest in startups from diverse backgrounds, creating jobs and uplifting various communities (e.g., Chennai angels, Native Leads).
- Through Time & Mentorship: A simple 15-minute conversation could change someone’s trajectory. Sometimes, people just need a guiding light.
“What if the little time we give someone pivots their whole life for the better?”
Don't be too quick to judge someone!
Life-long learning
- தொட்டனைத் தூறும் மணற்கேணி மாந்தர்க்குக் கற்றனைத் தூறும் அறிவு.
- தோண்டத் தோண்ட ஊற்றுநீர் கிடைப்பது போலத் தொடர்ந்து படிக்கப் படிக்க அறிவு பெருகிக் கொண்டே இருக்கும். It loosely translates to “In sandy soil, when deep you delve, you reach the springs below; The more you learn, the freer streams of wisdom flow”.
- கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின் நிற்க அதற்குத் தக.
- பிழை இல்லாதவற்றைத் தனது குறைகள் நீங்குமளவுக்குக் கற்றுக்கொள்ள வேண்டும். கற்ற பிறகு அதன்படி நடக்கவேண்டும். It loosely translates to “One should learn without mistakes and with complete understanding, to the extent that it removes their own shortcomings. After learning, one must live by what they have learned”.
Mentorship & Leadership Lessons
Magesh shared an inspiring story—he once signed as a guarantor for my tuition loan in the bank despite barely knowing me. When asked why, he said:
“What could possibly go wrong that I cannot handle in the future?”
His decision wasn’t based on logic alone but on faith in people. This made me reflect—should we always try to judge whether someone deserves help, or should we simply act with kindness?
Types of People
- Creators – Those who build, innovate, and contribute.
- Consumers – Those who passively take in without creating value.
We should strive to be creators—farmers who cultivate growth rather than hunters who just consume.
Egg Cracking: Inside vs. Outside
A powerful metaphor that Magesh shared:
- If an egg is cracked from the outside, it becomes food.
- If an egg is cracked from the inside, it brings forth new life.
This highlights the importance of self-driven growth. True transformation happens from within, and as leaders, we must inspire our teams to realize their potential from the inside out.
Handling Elders’ Viewpoints with Respect
When engaging in discussions with elders, it’s essential to balance respect with personal conviction:
- Listen and absorb: Even if you disagree, there is always wisdom to gain.
- Avoid unnecessary debates: Just because we understand a topic better doesn’t mean we need to argue about it.
- Receive blessings with gratitude: Sometimes, what elders offer is not logic but goodwill. Accept it with humility.
“What goes around comes around—one day, we will be in their shoes.”
Vasthu: The Science of Harmonious Living
Vasthu (or Vastu Shastra) is an ancient Indian architectural philosophy that emphasizes balance between human dwellings and the natural environment.
A well-designed living space impacts:
- Health & Well-being: Good air circulation, cleanliness, and aesthetics reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Energy Flow: Proper placement of rooms and objects ensures harmony in daily life.
- Prosperity: Aligning with Vasthu principles is believed to bring success and happiness.
Even simple changes, such as ensuring good ventilation and keeping a tidy space, can significantly improve our quality of life.
Entrepreneurship vs. Corporate Career
Magesh’s advice for someone considering a startup:
- Working in a startup as an early employee exposes you to limited aspects of business in-depth.
- If you’ve already had a startup experience, a corporate job can help you build a strong network before starting again.
“Failure is just success delayed.”
“If you’re worried about losing something by starting a business, you may not be cut out for it.”
Lessons on Relationships
- Never raise your voice at your partner. Instead, lower your tone, slow down, and calmly explain your feelings.
- Express emotions clearly: “I’m not angry at you; I’m just down because you’re the only person who truly understands me.”
- Relationships, like leadership, require understanding and patience.
Final Reflections & Open Questions
- Who am I, and what’s my true identity?
- What would I do differently if today were my last day?
- How can I help more people in a sustainable way?
These questions continue to shape my journey, and I hope they spark reflection for you as well.
Actionable Takeaways
✅ Read Thirukkural for timeless wisdom.
✅ Practice yoga and keep curiosity alive.
✅ Learn about Marginal Diminishing Utility Theory to understand resource allocation.
✅ Observe more, absorb more, and create value wherever possible.
Closing Thought
“The water poured for the paddy fields flows through the canals, and in the process, it also nourishes the grass along the banks. Likewise, a truly virtuous person brings prosperity to all.”
Translated from the Tamil saying, நெல்லுக்கு இறைத்த நீர் வாய்க்கால் வழியோடிப் புல்லுக்கும் அங்கே பொசியுமாம் - தொல்லுலகில் நல்லார் ஒருவர் உளரேல் அவர் பொருட்டு எல்லார்க்கும் பெய்யும் மழை.