Bystander

Welcome to The Bystander

The name The Bystander is inspired by Peter Drucker's autobiographical collection of stories and vignettes, The Adventures of a Bystander. Drucker’s books and teachings have profoundly influenced my thinking and beliefs, particularly during the formative years of my professional journey. His insights into managing knowledge workers and the art of managing oneself have left an enduring impression on me. One of his quotes, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” has become not only my favourite but a guiding principle—a mindset that continues to inspire me.

Another significant source of inspiration comes from my exploration of philosophy and spirituality. I have been deeply moved by the timeless philosophical question, “Who am I?” Many Eastern philosophical traditions answer this question through introspective deduction. They suggest that you are not your body, your mind, or even your thoughts. Instead, you are the one who observes and witnesses these—The Bystander.

This perspective aligns beautifully with Drucker’s reflections. Here is an excerpt from The Adventures of a Bystander:

“Bystanders have no history of their own. They are on the stage but are not part of the action. They are not even an audience. The fortunes of the play and every actor in it depend on the audience whereas the reaction of the bystander has no effect except on himself/herself. But standing in the wings – much like a fireman in the theatre – the bystander sees things neither actor nor audience notices. Above all, he/she sees differently from the way actors or audience notices. Bystanders reflect – and reflection is a prism rather than a mirror; it refracts…”

At The Bystander, our purpose is twofold: to inspire people to think and to create. We believe that clear thinking, rooted in self-inquiry, is the foundation of personal growth and purposeful action. Through reflection, writing, and sharing ideas, we can unlock new perspectives, deepen self-awareness, and bring meaningful content to life.

You might have noticed a section on Executive Coaching. I added this after losing my job at a global bank due to redundancy—a pivotal moment that reinforced my commitment to building a community of thoughtful individuals. This platform is my way of helping others engage with profound questions like “Who am I?” and empowering them to share, reflect, write, and explore.

In times of uncertainty, it is through these deeper inquiries that we rediscover ourselves and create something extraordinary. So, come along—explore, reflect, and create. Let’s think deeply, act meaningfully, and make something remarkable happen.

Warm regards,
Raghavendra/Raghav/Ragz/R