Four Little Books of Wisdom: Ruskin Bond’s How to Series

Book Title(s): How to be a writer; How to live your life; How to be Happy; How to be You

Author: Ruskin Bond

My Rating ^{(* have a look at my rating scale here)}: 5/5

For someone like me, who believes that everything in life can be learned though books – be it a new language, the notes of music, literature or even how to live life and be happy- books have always had a special place in my life. I have loads and loads them right from Rapidex language-speaking courses to books like ‘From unreal to real’ that explores some of the highest philosophies of Advait Vedanta. I must admit, I am none the wiser! Yet buying such non-fiction, self-help books remains one of my weaknesses.

In one such buying spree, I purchased the Ruskin Bond’s ‘How to’ Series, published by Harper Collins.

Although the books can be read in any order, but if you are a chronology freak like me, the first one is How to be a writer (2020) followed by How to live your life (2022), How to be Happy (2024) and How to be you (2025).

Although intended for the young readers, these books have something to offer people of all ages. Of the several teach yourself books that I have browsed, flipped through or read seriously, these four beautifully illustrated, easy-to-read and follow books are simply my top-rated ones.

Let me begin chronologically.

How to be a writer

Like Ruskin Bond, I too have been in love with books since childhood and have accumulated quite a collection over the years. I always wanted to be a writer, yet like many skills that I was good at, I never pursued writing seriously. I kept thinking that one day I would write and whenever I did, I would somehow be able to do it well! Not realizing that it is only practice that make a person perfect! Now when I read this book on the personal journey of Mr. Bond on becoming a writer along with the tips and tricks of the trade, which he shared, I realized that writing is all about observing, discipline and habit of sitting and writing it down! I realized that having a daily ritual of writing is important. Perhaps it is never too late to begin!

How to live your Life

Written in the format of a letter, Mr. Bond’s advice is firm and straightforward: ‘do what you are good at’ give it your heart and soul, be it an artistic talent, a soft skill or a business streak! Don’t look back on to the past, for it is gone. His advice ranges from habits as simple as sleeping early and on time, to appreciating nature to the complex emotions like love, anger and depression. This book reminds me of a short piece that I had read in my English text book many years ago, called ‘In celebration of being alive’ by Dr. Christiaan Bernard, who said “Business of living is the celebration of being alive”.

How to be Happy

It opens with a very simple yet very powerful statement “Happiness will come your way if you don’t run after it”, which I believe is the very essence of happiness.

Finding pleasure in daily routines, and enjoying being in the ‘moment’ are among the easiest to ideas to understand, yet hardest to practice. Philosophers, saints and religions of all kinds have offered similar wisdom over the ages. Perhaps the trick lies not in discovering something new, but in practising what we already know. With time, happiness itself can become a habit.

The book is filled with many quotable thoughts on dealing with bad times and anger, cultivating patience, and being happy. Two pieces of advice that I keep returning to are: ‘on facing bad times, be like a ball, bounce like a ball’. ‘If you are angry, don’t let the sun go down on your anger’.

Simplest reminders that we need the most!

How to be You

This book is about achieving what you want to do, and the key word here is ‘determination’. It is all about taking up your goal as an adventure with it associated risks. He tells firmly ‘be prepared to go on the adventures, as the ultimate award is greater than the risk’.

He stresses on being responsible for your own actions – to “paddle your own Canoe” –, and when faced with hurdles “learn to ziggag”.

And then comes a delightful piece of advice: Be greedy! Not for material possessions, He says, ‘greedy for good things of life, and life itself’.

Practicing what you do, gaining knowledge, having courage, staying calm and overcoming despair are some other foundational steps to success that he discusses.  One of his most inspiring thoughts is: “build castles in the air, if you like, but put foundations under them.”

A Little Wisdom for Everyday Life

All the four books are lucid, beautifully illustrated and filled with words of wisdom. Whenever you feel low or needs little ‘mental tonic’, simply open any one of them at random. You will find, calming, soothing words of Mr. Ruskin Bond.

His voice feels like that of a monk sitting in the Himalayas, a beloved grandfather or parent or that uncle or aunty to whom you always felt close. With warmth, familiarity, and reassurance and without sounding too preachy, he gently holds your hand and nudges you towards being happier, calmer, more determined, and, above all, more yourself.