As an ophthalmologist who also serves as medical director of a renowned clinic, a leader chose to share insights from a life spent balancing medicine, service, and personal growth. The book that emerged offers practical guidance drawn from daily reflections, started during the first year of the pandemic when clear thoughts came right after morning meditation. A friend and supervisor encouraged the author to publish these notes, and the project gained support to reach readers who crave honest, actionable ideas for living with intention.
QUESTION: Why would an eye surgeon write a self-help book?
ANSWER: The author never planned to publish notes. During the pandemic, thoughts were captured on a phone, Joshua-like moments of clarity that followed early meditation. Those moments became the core material for the book. A trusted colleague urged sharing the reflections, and the organization behind the practice helped move the project forward to bring it into readers’ hands.
Q: What is the book about?
A: It presents the author’s perspective on life’s key dimensions. What began as a set of unconnected journal entries was reorganized into a cohesive narrative. The pages explore core strengths and weaknesses, then connect them to larger topics such as personal relationships and life itself. In short, the work offers a personal philosophy—a snapshot of the author’s inner journey at a particular moment in time.
Q: Some experiences are mentioned that shaped this view of life, including failures. Is failure preferable to success?
A: To some extent, yes, because lessons from defeats are often deeper than those from victories. Yet many situations once seen as misfortunes later reveal themselves as blessings, challenging the quick judgment that events are simply good or bad. Reality exists independently of color; our judgments color what we see based on what seems advantageous at the moment.
Q: How is success defined in this context?
A: Success means living in harmony with one’s life goals. Citing Viktor Frankl, the work notes that a reason to persevere can influence outcomes even in extreme circumstances. Today’s fast pace tempts many to chase speed over meaning. A life with purpose is a successful life.
Q: The author’s activities, such as competitive sports and Africa-focused collaboration, surely influence the ideas in the book. How do these experiences connect?
A: Individuals are shaped by both inherited traits and lived experiences. Sports impart willpower, discipline, teamwork, and endurance, while collaborative work fuels adventure and deep human connections. These elements collectively support a goal of doing meaningful, useful things in the world.
Q: The book devotes significant attention to the ego. Is the ego truly the enemy?
A: Much suffering arises from the ego, which can create fear, greed, and aversion. On a broader scale, the belief that one group is inherently superior has caused grave harm across history. Shedding ego leads to clearer thinking and more compassionate action.
The author has also devoted long-term energy to global service, including campaigns that improve health and vision for people in developing regions.
Q: In a world of wars, economic turmoil, and injustice, can a hopeful outlook endure today?
A: The world has never been wealthier in terms of material progress, largely due to technological advances. A person in a low-income country today often enjoys a standard of living that would have been unimaginable in the past. It is possible that this generation has had fewer direct experiences of war. Injustice and inequality persist, yet overall conditions have improved. Happiness may seem newsworthy only in headlines, but the underlying reality is improving.
P: The book is available now. What comes next?
A: The focus shifts to living in the present moment, applying the lessons learned to daily life.