Decisions for Living

Gopal Dorai’s Decisions for Living: Strategies for Making Smart Decisions Throughout Life is a thoughtful, well-organized, and quietly powerful guide that marries academic insight with everyday practicality. Written by an emeritus economics professor, the book reads less like a dry textbook and more like a conversation with a trusted mentor: someone who’s seen a lot of life and wants to help you avoid its more painful pitfalls.

The central theme of the book is simple: life is a series of decisions, and the quality of our lives is largely determined by how we make them. What sets this book apart is its comprehensive, compassionate, and realistic approach. Dorai insists that smart decision-making is a learnable skill.

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its structure. Dorai doesn’t just lecture about theory; he walks the reader through the foundational elements of decision-making (Chapter II), the emotional and situational triggers that influence us (Chapter III), and even some economic concepts that underpin our daily choices (Chapter IV). Chapter V, which features real-life case studies, offers a practical and empathetic application of his principles, including a standout narrative about Kathy preparing for the Boston Marathon. Her journey is a textbook example of setting goals, planning realistically, managing resources, and adapting to challenges, which are all key traits of sound decision-making.

Dorai is refreshingly candid. He draws from personal experience, reader anecdotes, and statistics to highlight the real-world consequences of poor decision-making: health issues, financial distress, and failed relationships. Yet, he doesn’t resort to fear tactics. Instead, his tone remains encouraging: “Readers who are habitually hesitant, tentative, or unsure… will find here much valuable guidance, help, and support.”

The recurring themes throughout the book include the importance of proactive planning, the role of cost-benefit analysis (a favorite concept from his economics background), and the humility to learn from one’s own failures. He even explores the psychology behind blaming others for poor outcomes, a common human tendency, and urges readers to embrace accountability and growth instead.

Visually, the book includes tables, diagrams, and even metaphors (like the “mansion of life” or the “circle in a square” fit model) to make complex ideas digestible. It’s clear Dorai wants readers of all backgrounds to engage with the material, not just those with formal education.

While the book is rich in practical wisdom, it can occasionally lean a little too heavily into didactic territory. At times, I wished for tighter editing and a more dynamic narrative flow. But those are minor quibbles in a book that delivers so much grounded, useful content.

In short, Decisions for Living is not just a self-help book, it’s a life manual. It’s ideal for students, professionals, retirees, or anyone standing at a crossroads. Dorai gives you tools to act wisely, and even more importantly, to reflect wisely.