Review by Dr. G. Rajamohan

Dr. G. RAJAMOHAN
Professor & Head of Counselling & Psychotherapy

It has taken eShan over 40 years of living to understand life, and given a chance to go back in time, he wouldn’t have lived life any other way. Quite understandable.

But he is now in a position to foresee and eliminate all pitfalls in life, so that by the time his children grow up, all things are neatly ironed out and ready for them to venture into real life.

So eShan decides to write a letter, a letter to the future, so that his children could easily understand what life is about and avoid the pitfalls they may encounter in their lives.

This letter is published in the form of a book titled “Letter to Future”.

Makes interesting reading, more so when it is written by the author with a ‘what if I am not around’ perspective. The intention of the author is that his children may live their lives in their own way rather than following the traditional way or living it his (author’s) way.

But then what exactly is life? How could one know all about life? According to the author, knowing all about family is knowing all about life.

One is reminded of Bertrand Russell’s idea of the future and traditional beliefs

The author, in this book suggests ways by which the future generation can take control of life with awareness, rather than blindly adhering to traditions.

We all have the habit of looking to the future and thinking that the whole meaning of the present, lies in what it will bring forth; is a pernicious one. There can be no value in the whole unless there is value in parts. Life is not to be conceived on the analogy of a melodrama in which the hero and heroine go through incredible misfortunes for which they are compensated by a happy ending. I live and have my day, my son succeeds me and has his day, and his son in turn succeeds him. What is there in all this to make a tragedy about?

The author does not pretend to start with precise questions. He does not think one can start with anything precise. You have to achieve such precision as you can, as you go along.

Some refreshing ideas come from the author. He says that it is better to worry in advance about the generation gap and find ways to bridge it. The book emphasizes the seriousness of life, especially at a juncture where one can see the concept called Family by itself is getting endangered.

In the author’s view, a divorce must be granted instantly before analyzing the facts of the case. If things are amicably settled, then a fresh agreement can be drafted and the couple can be allowed to remarry.

Consider this one for another example.

Women who give birth through artificial insemination without ever having normal intercourse remain virgins even after they deliver many babies through the same process.
If gravity holds a stone or rock in place, what holds a thought in place?

Many thought provoking and controversial issues are brought forward by the author. The book makes interesting reading. And it makes one ponder on important life issues.

I strongly recommend this book to the specialists as well as the layman.

Dr.G RAJAMOHAN
Professor of Psychotherapy & Counselling
Santosh Hospitals & Research Institute
Chennai, India.