I May Be Wrong

“I may be wrong” - a book written by a monk of 17 years, who, before that, was the youngest CFO of Swedish industrial gas company.

This book is one I will remember for many years, affecting how I think about life.

What type of life you want 

The author, Björn, had an extraordinary life. Very interestingly, I am reading the biography of Elon Musk at the same time, which gives a very interesting comparison. 

Björn, a traditional elite, was the youngest CFO of Swedish industrial gas company. Despite his success, he was unhappy. He just felt that he an imposter in his roles as a CFO and an economist, with no passion at all. Overwhelmed one day, he tried meditation. He heard a loud and clear voice - this is not how he wanted to spend his life. Two days later, he resigned. He travelled in South-East Asia.

After a difficult break up, he decided to be a monk in Thailand. That was 1992. His monastic life was intense: one meal per day, no use of money, and relying solely on donations. He gradually fits in and became a respected monk among the community. Until one day, he decided it’s time for him to move on. 

As you could imagine, transitioning back to the affluence of Sweden society after 17 years was challenging, which led to a severe depression. His years of mental training as a monk helped him overcome this difficult period. He then embarked on a tour, sharing his insights and experiences, which garnered global attention.

Then, tragically, he was diagnosed with ALS (the ice-bucket-challenge disease), and around the same time, his dad got an incurable disease and chose for euthanasia. Before he died, he completed the book “I may be wrong” and passed away, accompanied by loving family members and friends. 

Björn's life story makes me think. Sure, there's no absolute right or wrong way to live, but his path seems way more fascinating than just sticking to a corporate job forever.

I'm lucky and have had chances that I never would've gotten if I hadn't left my job in Hong Kong three years ago.

I do not know what the future holds (which is another important theme of the book). I doubt I'll become a monk – just one meal a day and living off donations isn't for me.

But this story really hits home. We only get one life, and I've probably used up a good 1/3 of mine already. So, I'm set on making the rest of it fun, meaningful, and enjoyable.

This too shall pass; letting go; and accepting that you cannot control life

“This too shall pass” may not be the most romantic phrase. When Björn got married after stopped being a monk, he imprinted “This too shall pass.” on his ring. 

Indeed, the impermanence and uncertainty of life is a recurring theme in the book, as illustrated by Björn's disease and his father's euthanasia.

There is only one thing definite in life - you and your loved ones will die. All other things are just possibilities. With this in mind, it helps put into perspective what is important. Do you want to please your boss? To show appreciation to the people you love? To live in the moment? To play and enjoy life? 

I am deeply moved by a paragraph in the book (I read the Chinese translation  of the book so I will quote that directly): - 

願你在生活中少一點握拳，多一點鬆手；少一點控制，多一點信任。少一點找必須預先知道一切，多一點順期自然。我們不必活在總是為了生活不如己意而焦慮不行，不必這麼委屈。不用扼殺生活，我們可以擁抱她。生命中最美好的事情都在控制以外。

I am much more tense and nervous than I want myself to be. That very paragraph may be my key to happiness, and I will regularly remind myself of it. 

Listen to your heart and question your thoughts

The book "I May Be Wrong" highlights the importance of the author's inner voice, a theme that also resonates with me. Björn, the author, experienced two pivotal moments where this inner voice guided him: first, when he decided to leave his successful career as a CFO, and second, when he chose to end his monastic life.

Björn describes this inner voice as a form of wisdom that transcends logic and explanation. It's an amalgamation of his thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. However, this profound wisdom is often overshadowed by louder, more assertive 'smart' thoughts. I can imagine these thoughts might sound like, "Why the fuck would you give up being a CFO or economist? People dream of such positions." or "Why leave the comfort and respect you've found in your 17 years as a monk?"

As I face significant decisions in my own life, I aspire to listen to my inner voice as Björn did (and my "smart" voices often cloud such inner voice). I want to develop the skill to question my thoughts and remember that they are not always right. By acknowledging the possibility of being wrong, life might unfold in more surprising and enjoyable ways.

Saying that this is a great book full of wisdom is an understatement. I recommend this to everyone who is having a difficult time, or feels at lost at times.