East vs west -- the myths that mystify | Devdutt Pattanaik

Summary

The script explores the concept of 'mythology in business' through the tale of Ganesha and Kartikeya, illustrating the distinction between objective 'the world' and subjective 'my world.' It delves into cultural mythologies, contrasting linear and cyclical worldviews with examples from Greek and Indian traditions. The narrative continues with the application of these mythologies to business practices, highlighting the clash between one-life cultures' linearity and India's comfort with ambiguity and diversity. The speaker shares his experience as a Chief Belief Officer, emphasizing the importance of aligning beliefs to understand and succeed in the Indian market.

Takeaways

• 📚 The story of Ganesha and Kartikeya illustrates the difference between objective 'the world' and subjective 'my world'.
• 🌐 'The world' is characterized as logical, universal, and factual, while 'my world' is emotional, personal, and based on belief systems.
• 🏛 Cultures develop their own mythologies to understand their existence and provide answers to life's fundamental questions.
• 🌿 Culture is a reaction to nature, and the transmission of these cultural understandings occurs through stories, symbols, and rituals.
• 🤔 The clash of civilizations often stems from differing viewpoints on what constitutes 'the world' and 'my world'.
• 🏰 The encounter between Alexander the Great and a gymnosophist highlights the contrast between linear and cyclical worldviews.
• 🏹 Alexander's life was influenced by the Greek mythology of heroes and the pursuit of an extraordinary life.
• 🧘 The gymnosophist's life was shaped by the Indian mythology of cyclical existence and the insignificance of individual achievements.
• 🔢 Indian mathematicians may have been inspired by their cyclical mythology to discover the concept of zero.
• 💼 Business practices are influenced by cultural mythologies, with one-life cultures favoring binary logic and infinite-life cultures embracing fuzzy logic.
• 🇮🇳 In India, business is more about individuality, relationships, and contextual thinking rather than strict adherence to processes and rules.

Q & A

What is the significance of the story of Ganesha and Kartikeya in understanding the concept of logos and mythos?

The story of Ganesha and Kartikeya illustrates the difference between objective reality ('the world') and subjective reality ('my world'). Ganesha's victory in the race by circumambulating his parents symbolizes the personal and emotional significance of one's own world, which is subjective and rooted in individual belief systems, as opposed to the objective reality represented by Kartikeya's literal circumnavigation of the world.

How does the concept of 'mythos' differ from 'logos'?

Mythos is subjective, emotional, personal, and based on perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and dreams. It represents the belief system and the myths that people live by. Logos, on the other hand, is objective, logical, universal, factual, and scientific, describing how the world functions.

What is the role of culture in shaping a society's understanding of life and existence?

Culture plays a crucial role in shaping a society's understanding of life and existence by providing a customized version of mythology that answers existential questions like 'Why do we exist?' It is transmitted through stories, symbols, and rituals, which are often indifferent to rationality.

Why did Alexander and the gymnosophist laugh at each other's pursuits?

Alexander and the gymnosophist laughed at each other because they each perceived the other's pursuit as foolish from their own cultural and mythological perspectives. Alexander was on a quest to conquer the world, which seemed pointless to the gymnosophist who was seeking spiritual enlightenment through meditation.

How did the stories of Homer's 'Iliad' influence Alexander's life and beliefs?

The stories from Homer's 'Iliad' instilled in Alexander the belief that he should be a hero like Achilles, shaping history and living a life of destiny. It was a narrative that encouraged him to seek victory and extraordinary achievements, as these were seen as the path to a heroic afterlife.

What is the significance of the river Vaitarani in Indian mythology and how does it reflect the cultural view on life and death?

The river Vaitarani in Indian mythology represents the boundary between the land of the living and the land of the dead. However, in the Indian belief system, one does not cross it just once but goes back and forth endlessly, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and death and the concept of reincarnation.

How does the concept of 'one life' versus 'many lives' influence business practices in different cultures?

In cultures with a 'one life' perspective, business practices tend to emphasize binary logic, absolute truth, standardization, and linear patterns. In contrast, cultures with a belief in 'many lives' often display comfort with fuzzy logic, contextual thinking, and a more flexible approach to business practices.

What is the role of a Chief Belief Officer in a company?

A Chief Belief Officer is responsible for aligning the beliefs of the organization with its cultural context. This involves developing stories, symbols, and rituals that enhance the sensitivity of people to the cultural nuances of the market they operate in, thereby influencing behavior and business outcomes.

How does the ritual of Darshan in Hinduism inspire business practices in Indian companies?

The ritual of Darshan, where Hindus seek an audience with God to be seen and understood, inspires business practices by creating a ritual for leaders where they are blindfolded and surrounded by stakeholders upon taking over a store. This ritual is meant to make them realize the importance of including all stakeholders in their world to succeed.

What is the Indian head-shake mentioned in the script, and what does it symbolize?

The Indian head-shake is a non-verbal gesture that can convey various meanings depending on the context. It symbolizes the complexity and ambiguity of understanding truth and perspectives, suggesting that there is no single 'right' way, but rather multiple viewpoints that can be valid.

How does the script suggest one should approach different cultural perspectives?

The script suggests that one should approach different cultural perspectives by understanding that each person lives in their own subjective truth. By acknowledging and appreciating these differences, one can discover the eternal truth within the infinite myths of various cultures.