Living in the Brackets: Embracing Life’s Unscripted Moments

Living in the Brackets highlights how brackets in life—unexpected experiences, unplanned stops, and subtle lessons—often hold the key to our true understanding of existence. Anki Jain presents a thought-provoking analogy, emphasising that while society focuses on achievements and milestones, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of the moments that may seem insignificant but ultimately shape our lives. This work encourages readers to rethink their approach, recognising that life is more than just a straight line between goals; it is a rich tapestry woven with moments that define our journey.

Key Insights from Living in the Brackets

1. Embrace Unanticipated Breaks: Growth Occurs in the Quiet Moments

Often, society conditions individuals to perceive life as a series of continuous actions—progress, success, and accomplishments. Nevertheless, Jain points out that it is in moments of stillness and pause that real growth occurs. Life’s interruptions, whether a career gap or a personal setback, should not be seen as wasted time but rather as moments for introspection and self-discovery.

Example: Amitabh Bachchan experienced a significant downturn in his career during the late 1990s due to his production company’s financial collapse. Instead of surrendering to adversity, he utilised that break to reinvent himself, returning to prominence with the programme Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), which revitalised both his career and financial situation.

2. Unforeseen Pathways Foster Unexpected Insights

Jain illustrates that the most valuable lessons often arise from unanticipated scenarios. Many of life’s finest moments can result from detours, whether encountering someone by chance, embarking on an unexpected journey, or facing a career redirection due to unforeseen circumstances.

Example: Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys, encountered unexpected trouble while travelling in Eastern Europe when he was detained in Bulgaria amid political issues. This experience alerted him to the importance of financial autonomy and led him to create Infosys—a transformative company for India’s IT landscape.

3. True Success Isn’t Always Visible

In a culture that champions major triumphs, success is frequently gauged by public acknowledgment—promotions, accolades, and fame. However, Living in the Brackets argues that genuine success can be spotted in quieter triumphs: personal milestones, acts of kindness, or remaining true to one’s values.

Example: Rukhmabai Raut, one of the first female physicians in India, faced societal resistance and a protracted legal battle over her educational rights and independence. Despite lacking widespread recognition during her lifetime, her dedication laid a foundation for future generations of women in medicine in India.

4. Meaningful Interactions Emerge in the Margins

People often remember simple side conversations more than the main events. The book reveals that significant discussions frequently occur unexpectedly—during late-night chats, moments of vulnerability, or casual dialogues that forge enduring connections.

Example: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam frequently expressed that some of his most crucial lessons derived from discussions with students rather than formal government meetings. He believed that true wisdom flourished in informal settings where ideas could interchange openly.

5. Release Control: Life Is About Improvisation

Many individuals meticulously plan their lives, yet Jain suggests that authentic joy arises from allowing life to unfold naturally. When people grasp too tightly to expectations, they may miss out on opportunities that surpass their initial aspirations.

Example: Nithin Kamath, who founded Zerodha, began his career as a trader with no intention of establishing India’s leading stock brokerage. It was only through navigating various challenges that he recognised the need for a platform to simplify stock investing for others.

6. Recognise the Beauty in the Mundane

Not every instant in life needs to be grand. Living in the Brackets encourages finding pleasure in simple, ordinary details—be it watching the sunset, relishing a cup of tea, or listening to the raindrops.

Example: Ratan Tata, despite being immensely wealthy, finds joy in everyday experiences—driving his car, engaging with budding entrepreneurs, and caring for his dogs. His humility and appreciation for life’s simple luxuries distinguish him from many other tycoons.

7. You Are More Than Your Labels

Society tends to categorise individuals based on profession, social status, or achievements. However, life encompasses much more than any single label. Jain urges readers to recognise their multifaceted nature—embracing their evolving identity.

Example: Arunachalam Muruganantham, who led the low-cost sanitary pad movement in India, began life as a school dropout and a welder. He refused to be limited by his past and eventually initiated a revolution in menstrual hygiene for countless women across India.