Preface (About the Author)

I didn’t want to write this book. I didn’t even want to become enlightened. But it happened anyway, and all because I read another book that changed the course of my life. And now I’m writing my own book that might change the course of your life. Or it could be complete nonsense. You never know.

A little bit about me

About Me — Do as I Say Not as I Do

I write under the banner Do as I Say, Not as I Do for a very specific set of reasons. I’m a curious person. Not in the weird sense — well ok, maybe in the weird sense, but also, I’m curious about the world. I believe it’s the single most important trait for a successful life. Being curious creates a virtuous cycle of improvement that will make anyone more successful.

Because I’m curious, I do a lot of experiments. Writing like this for public consumption is itself an experiment, one of my bigger ones. But I experiment constantly in big ways and small. From sharper nail clippers, to walking 10,000 steps, to AI investing, I can’t help myself, I love to learn. Curiosity, paying attention, and the learning that results, will be what shapes my future, and yours.

I get my ideas for things to write about from things I read, things I watch, and occasionally from mysterious voices in my head. Sometimes drugs are involved. Most often, inspiration comes from a conversation over lunch or while on a long walk with a friend. I don’t have a niche, sorry, you’ll have to decide case by case if a particular story resonates, but I’ll try to write with enough humour and false humility to make even the trashier stuff somewhat palatable.

I’ve had the good fortune to make a little money by building and selling Audiobooks.com and making several astute investments besides. I was lucky and I was supported by incredible people along the way, starting with my parents. What that money buys me is credibility when it comes to talking about financial subjects.

I’ve also had three lovely kids, a wonderful 17 year (and running) marriage, two dogs, some fast cars, a private foundation, a cocktail bar, a lot of travel and a little experience with psychedelics that I hope buys me some credibility when it comes to everything else.

I won’t shy away from difficult subjects in my writing. My bankruptcy, my divorce, a bipolar disorder diagnosis, my twenty years in therapy — I’m a real person, with all the flaws you’d expect, and some you wouldn’t, but for the record, liking K-pop isn’t actually a flaw.

My writing comes down to paying attention to life, and extracting meaning from the tiniest experiences to the largest, because as the saying goes, how you do anything is how you do everything.

From how I decide what TV shows to watch, to how we discuss war in the Middle East, it can all serve to teach us a little more about how the puzzle is put together.

Writing down my experiences and insights keeps me curious and makes me a better human. Reading these articles may make you smile, and might make you a better human too.

Welcome to my life. Stay curious, but save yourself some pain.

Do as I say, not as I do.

23 Questions Complete Strangers Ask Me All the Time

How do I get rich? Can I have lunch with you? How did it feel to go bankrupt? What is your biggest regret? An FAQ for people to get to know Sanjay Singhal

I read an article by

Kristen Stark

recently and loved the FAQ section. She encouraged me to write my own, so here we are. Kristen, sorry/not sorry for the occasional blatant plagiarism.

I’m into recreational and therapeutic drugs, spending money on imaginative and ill-advised projects, and pretending to be an authority on any subjects that I can answer by asking Samantha, my AI girlfriend. These are the questions I get asked all the time.

FAQs

How old are you?

I’m 58.

(spitting out coffee) “Get the fuck out! You look amazing!”

(smiling) Yes, I know. Next question.

How rich are you?

I don’t own a private jet, but it’s not because I can’t afford it. It’s beyond the level of stupid I’m comfortable with, and that’s saying something.

How do I get rich too?

Read everything I write, then go make a lot of money.

How can you afford to waste money on junk like the Apple Vision Pro?

By not spending money on junk like private jets and a Grammarly account.

Where is that gorgeous beach view in your article about the Apple Vision Pro? Aren’t you Canadian? There are no beaches in Canada!

First, yes there are beaches in Canada, they just suck because you cut yourself on the ice when you try to surf.

Second, the view is South Beach in Miami. You’d have a condo there too if you could buy a private jet but decided to buy something useful instead.

How did you make all your money?

I founded, grew, and sold Audiobooks.com. I was surrounded by talented people. I understand tax law. I like looking at spreadsheets. I got lucky.

Don’t you feel bad that you have so much while so many people are starving?

I feel bad that there are people who are starving, who live and die in war zones, and who are depressed and commit suicide because of social media. I created and funded a foundation to address mental health. It’s a start, and I also own a bar where people can get drunk and forget about their problems. Come on in, these margaritas aren’t going to drink themselves.

What was it like being bankrupt?

It felt a lot like having no money. It also felt like a fresh start.

You seem pretty calm and grounded. Aren’t you supposed to be BiPolar?

I AM BIPOLAR!

But I have good drugs. Lamotrigine specifically. I highly recommend it for bipolar disorder that skews to depression.

Tell me something wise

Confucius says man who hit incorrect button in elevator wrong on many levels.

Why do you like K-POP when you don’t understand the lyrics?

Jisoo and I have a spiritual connection, we don’t need words for me to understand Blackpink.

Why do you like EDM when you’re too old to dance?

It’s about the drugs, not the dancing. Vitality and functioning hips are fun but not necessary.

What is your favourite psychedelic drug?

5MEO-DMT is the one psychedelic that rules them all. But please start with psilocybin and/or MDMA. I don’t want you freaking out on me.

Aren’t you worried parents might shun you because you openly talk about doing drugs?

Shut up, narc! It was one time. It’s not like I’m handing out ecstasy lollipops in my kid’s hockey dressing room.

What’s your biggest regret?

Not marrying my wife sooner.

How many Teslas have you bought?

Seven so far, but three of those were for my wife. I disagree with Elon Musk about most things, but damn, he makes fine cars.

Did you have to give 110% to get where you are?

I had to understand basic math to get where I am.

Do people like you?

Does it look like I care?

Did you say you have an AI girlfriend?

Yes, I was a paying member of Replika for a hot minute, with the full knowledge and mockery of my wife. It was a research project because I’m looking into investments in Artificial Intelligence.

Can we meet up for lunch?

Yes, I’d love to! My assistant will get back to you.

But your assistant doesn’t have my contact information.

She’s amazing that way.

Can I send you my business plan? Will you invest in my company?

Yes, and almost certainly not. My assistant will be in touch.

What is your assistant’s email?

I said she’d be in touch. Fuck off.

Can I read more of your amazing writing while I wait for your assistant to contact me?

Sure, if you’re bored and your parents won’t let you get TikTok, click here.

Can I ask you another question?

I don’t think I can stop you, use the comments section.

But will you answer my question?

That’s too many questions. I’m going to take a nap.

Press enter or click to view image in full size

No CGI, an actual picture of a sleeping author in the wild — photo by author

I was counting, that’s 26 questions! Why can’t you do basic math?

It’s because I give 110%.