The Hungry Spirit

Handy is an incredible author. Reading this book was like sitting at the feet of one of the elders at the gate. He's incredible insightful and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book.

Mr Handy has some very thought provoking ideas about capitalism, work and meaning of life. It was his 'Personal Preface' that attracted me to buy the book. As he said in the conclusion, "Life without hope is dismal."; I wanted to find out what he meant. In Part A of the book he talks about the impact of capitalism on the capitalist society . He explores the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the marketplace and competition. It is in Part B where the main substance of the book is. It is about the self and how individuals should respond. He profiles the changing world of work over the years and its impact on individuals. In reading the section on self-knowledge and self-awareness, I found the 'obituary exercise' took a new meaning in the context of what I had read; although I had done this exercise several times previously. Learning to live with others and discovering connectivity with society is an important aspect of living. This is very vividly brought out by Mr Handy. It is here I found hope that we could live more meaningful lifes. In Part C, there are some possible solutions to the dilemmas we face. It is in this part, Mr Handy elaborates on the 7 cardinal principles of trust. In the context of career management, the idea of of a school for life and work is a valuable concept. His chapter on the role of government mentions about the I's - information, involvement, individuality and infrastructure. He concludes in the epilogue with seven trends and indicators for the future. I would consider the book as required reading for anyone who wants to add value or meaning to their life, actively contribute to society or is interested in people. Unknown to us, I think all us have a 'Hungry Spirit' within us. Mr Handy's book may meet some of this hunger!

Don't complete your reading too fast with this article. Take a break from time to time, for reflection within you now and then. You may discover something meaningful, which existed, yet faded away with your busy life.

Managers, who have not yet read this book, should rush to read it from cover to cover. Hungry Spirit should be included in the reading materials for all MBA programs.

Charles Handy is one of the most literate and eloquent writers in the English language. A lifetime of business experience and a tremendous intellectual depth make his books a tremendous pleasure to read. I've always found his books about 10 years prescient of profound trends in society. The Hungry Spirit gave me an important insight into interesting books I have not read, spiritual insights I had not yet confronted and in the end, a glimpse of spiritual strength I have not yet achieved. A rare and beautiful book. Scholars for several decades will look back on publication of this book as an important event.