?????, ????, ????- A Maker's escapade! Chapter 8: I have not read a single book in my entire life, until December 31, 2023!

Yes, it's true. I haven't read a single book in my entire life, barring academic texts, yet I found my way into the apex innovation office of India and eventually to Harvard. You might think I got lucky or had connections, or you may question the judgment of the selection committee. If any of these assumptions hold a shred of truth, it's probably the first.

I'll try to make this as short as possible.

"So you are a guy who doesn't like rules."

I've always been a tinkerer, a maker, often flouting rules and norms, which many saw as misalignment. My mentor described this as 'beautiful oddness.' Coming from a family that is not academically accomplished, I take pride in my self-taught knowledge, garnered not from books but from real-life experiences.

My disdain for traditional learning methods shone through in my role leading the largest school makerspace program on the planet. Our core mission was to foster curiosity and creativity in young minds, especially those from resource-constrained environments. I believed (and maybe still do) that black ink on white paper kills this creative spark.

The Statue of Three Lies .... and Truths

Everything changed with this one email from Harvard GSE. This opportunity pulled me away from my beloved project, transporting me to a foreign land and feeding me three lies:

• I arrived at Harvard skeptical of my peers – many of whom (I assumed) were unauthentic, crafting perfect but dishonest narratives in their applications.
• I was made to believe that 'to belong', I need to read more.
• I read extensively for my classes, often finding the material lacking depth and authenticity.

A person who has worked in extreme pressure, life and death, diplomatic, and grassroots situations, thinks that they have committed unforgivable sins. "Whatever theories you are talking about, they don't work in real life!", was a common response to professors.

Harvard forced me to confront the need for deeper knowledge. But this journey wasn't without its revelations. Among the sea of texts, I found voices that resonated with truth, voices shaped by the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, and death – the 'three truths' that echo my own experiences.

How will you measure your life?

In a twist of fate, I was led to a unique class, and at its conclusion, I received a book titled "How Will You Measure Your Life?" Skeptical, I set three rules for myself:

• Question every single word of that book (don't respect the book or author merely at face value)
• Don't get influenced by the book (use it merely as a tool or a weapon to throat punch someone)
• Relate it to my own real-life experiences (cast everything out; people die every day)

Five Reflections

• Doing, breaking, making, and prototyping teaches you more than reading books. Open a book after you have broken enough rules.
• You can make it to the best (or what they call themselves) universities without reading books or even knowing English. (A bit ironic; wait for the next point)
• The creative expression needs to be unshackled by the language of transaction.
• Question every piece of knowledge, authority, and wisdom! And enjoy guillotining lies and prejudices, especially your own.
• The privileged are scared and will never advocate for true equity and equality. Nobody will give it to you, and you must work your way.

If we don't do this, we may be in danger of becoming mindless consumers of worthless information. This water is too contaminated and needs to be tested and distilled before you drink it. And if you are on the quest to become a knowledge creator, please don't become a liar and thief.

Conclusion

From an adamant non-reader to a Harvard alumnus who finally opened a book, this journey has been unconventional and tumultuous. It's a testament that learning and growth can come from unexpected sources and experiences. And in questioning and challenging the traditional paths of knowledge, we find our truest learning.

If you find this worthless, I apologize for wasting your time! If you don't, all I have to say is thank you for your time!

And, as always!

#HappyTinkering

#MakersGonnaMake