Simple Thinking
Tackling problems with simplicity
Research in a range of fields, from organizational behaviour to psychology and management to medicine, tells us that common sense and simple tools often outperform complicated routines. Simplicity does not mean the absence of sophistication. It is about finding clarity amidst chaos.
Our brains have 10,000 times as many neurons as an ant. Yet, ants organize themselves to build complex structures and provide food for entire colonies. Just as we farm cows for milk, ants rear aphids for their honeydew. They survive floods by making a living raft that remains afloat with the help of air trapped between their bodies.
Sherlock Holmes once told his assistant Dr Watson that the world is full of obvious things that we fail to observe.
Read about these, and many more anecdotes, in Simple Thinking.
Questions worth asking
Is Simple Thinking merely a collection of amusing stories?
How honest are citizens in paying their income taxes?
Can you plan your day while being flexible with your schedule?
Can you balance your professional and family life?
Can you be a manager and a friend at the same time?
The Principles
Six chapters
Readers and the press
In a world that often mistakes complexity for depth, Simple Thinking is a timely reminder that clarity is one of the most powerful tools of leadership. Mukesh Sud makes a compelling case for stripping away noise, asking better questions, and getting to the heart of a problem. This is a practical, thoughtful and deeply useful book for anyone who wants to make better decisions — at work, in leadership, and in life.”
Aditya Ghosh · Co-founder, Akasa Air
The most transformative ideas are often the simplest. Mukesh Sud distills timeless principles into practical insights that can help anyone think more clearly, lead more effectively, and make better decisions. Whether it is negotiating or eating well, managing your boss or ensuring your people thrive at work, the stories and anecdotes in this book will show you how. Don’t miss Simple Thinking and its simple lessons.”
Ashish Dhawan · Founder, The Convergence Foundation
In business, as in life, we often believe problems are harder than they really are. Simple Thinking challenges our instinct to make things complicated when a clearer path may be right in front of us. Simple Thinking asks us to pause before reaching for complexity, and to examine whether we really need it. Like in his earlier books Mukesh brings these ideas alive through stories that are both engaging and deeply practical. Simple Thinking is worth reading and re-reading.”
Sanjeev Bikchandani · Co-founder, Info Edge
Simple Thinking is as educational as it is entertaining. Literally every sentence on every page makes you think or laugh or do both at the same time. Packed full of wonderful stories, ideas, lessons, jokes, anecdotes, and drawings, it is likely to go down as a classic of the genre. A must have for every student of management and life. In Simple Thinking, Prof Sud is at his literary best. Don’t miss this book and many laughs.”
Jaideep Prabhu · Professor, Cambridge Judge Business School
We live in a world where a simple question can result in a 47-slide presentation, three strategy meetings and a follow-up email. Simple Thinking is a much-needed reminder that thinking clearly is often more valuable than searching for elaborate solutions. Prof Sud makes a serious idea wonderfully accessible through stories and plenty of common sense. You will learn what paradoxes are and how you accept them in your daily life. Read it before you overthink your next problem.”
Papa CJ · Comedian and Corporate Trainer
Simple Thinking makes important life lessons feel real and relatable. Told through real life stories, it feels like a wise friend sharing what life has taught them. I’m a big believer in breaking complexity into simple things, and this book does that beautifully.”
Rishad Premji · Executive Chairman, Wipro Ltd.
Simple Thinking makes an elegant but truly simple argument: Better answers often begin with better questions. Mukesh makes his case through stories and anecdotes that challenge our instinct to overcomplicate, while offering powerful ways to think more clearly and act more decisively. A thought provoking book with lessons, for work and everyday life, that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.”
Pramath Raj Sinha · Founder and Trustee, Ashoka University
Simple Thinking at Ashoka University
Taught with Dr. Priyank Narayan and Papa CJ
About the course
A semester-long course taught with CJ and Priyank that turns the six principles of the book into weekly practice: live cases, reflection and small experiments in everyday decisions.
Who it's for
Undergraduate and postgraduate students across disciplines, and working professionals curious about decision-making.