Love, Learn, Play: A Simple Formula for a Happier, More Meaningful Life

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By SB Borcy

The structure moves naturally between examples, reflection, and practice, giving readers time to think about what they've learned. Some people might want more stories that aren't based on Western ideas, but the focus stays clear and grounded.Some self‑help books promise transformation. Love, Learn, Play actually delivers a map for it. The book's simplicity and depth are what make it stand out. Akhil Gupta breaks down the complicated parts of a meaningful life into three simple things that anyone can see and work on: love, learning, and play. The reader can tell from the first chapter that this is not a list of rules, but an invitation to try new things, think about them, and get more involved in life.

Reading it feels both uplifting and clarifying. There is a gentle energy in Gupta’s tone that inspires curiosity without pressure. The book makes you think about yourself and gives you a kind of quiet excitement. You start to notice where your days feel full and where they feel empty, and you are nudged to make small, useful changes. It makes people think about relationships, growth, and happiness as equally important things.

At its core, the book explores balance, intentionality, and presence. Gupta's claim that happiness is not a goal but a daily habit strikes a deep chord outside of the text. Everyone can relate to love, learning, and play, whether they want to be happy at home, at work, or in their community. These themes remind readers that small, consistent choices are what give life meaning, not big gestures.

The writing style is clear, conversational, and reflective. Gupta mixes personal stories, research findings, and useful exercises in a way that keeps the book interesting and useful at the same time. The structure flows naturally, going from examples to reflection to practice so that readers can stop and think about what they've learned. Some people might want more stories that don't come from Western culture, but the main point stays clear and grounded.

Memorable moments include reflections on reframing failure as a learning opportunity, prioritizing playful curiosity in daily life, and simple exercises to reconnect with loved ones. The last few pages of the book leave you with a strong sense of possibility and power. Love, Learn, Play is important because it teaches people how to live on purpose in a deep but practical way. It is a guide for anyone who wants to make their life feel fuller, lighter, and more connected.

About the Author 

Akhil Gupta

Akhil Gupta is the founder director of Universal Enlightenment Forum, a 501(c)3 corporation. He has been associated with Harvard University since 2015, first as a fellow at Advanced Leadership Initiative and later as an Impact Leader in residence in 2023. Akhil currently serves on The Dean’s Leadership Council at Harvard Divinity School, on the Advisory Board of Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, and on the Advisory Board of Harvard’s Chan Initiative on Health and Homelessness.

He is the author of two books “Bridges Across Humanity” published in 2023 and “To Flourish is To Love Learn Play” published on December 9, 2025.He was inspired to write these books while studying at Harvard University.

Prior to Harvard, he was the founder Chairman of Blackstone India & Senior Managing Director of The Blackstone Group. He also served in senior positions at Reliance Industries Limited and Hindustan Unilever.

 Akhil has a B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA from Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. He served on the Advisory Council of the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University from 2014 to 2021.