Why stories matter in a data-driven world

Rajan Thapaliya has written several books and is a former employee of HuffPost (US news website). He is a data scientist based in New York and completed Business Analytics from Harvard Business School. He teaches primarily at the master’s and PhD levels as a dissertation chair and subject matter expert (SME) in computer and data science programs. He is also an honorary member of the Rotary International Club.

In this conversation with the After‘S Sanskrit PokharelThapaliya discusses literature as a gateway to critical thinking and empathy in technology.

What is literature to you? What made you a reader?

For me, literature is a window into the human soul, a reflection of our deepest thoughts, emotions and experiences, created through the power of words to connect us across time and space. It provides a gateway to understanding the complexity of the human experience, allowing us to explore different perspectives and challenge our own beliefs.

I started reading as a child surrounded by books in my family’s reading room. Growing up, I watched my father constantly immersed in books, especially those written by Tony Robbins. It sparked my curiosity. So I started reading classic novels like Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’.

These stories entertained me and opened up new worlds and ideas. Over time, reading became more than a hobby; it became a way to explore different points of view, gain knowledge and connect with the thoughts and feelings of others, bridging generations and cultures.

Are there any books that have influenced your teaching style and your interactions with students?

Yes, several books have profoundly influenced my teaching style. One of the most important is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. It taught me the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives and values, which I incorporate into the classroom.

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman deepened my understanding of how the human mind works and helped me realize that students process information differently. It encourages me to adapt my teaching methods to different learning styles.

Additionally, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho has shaped my approach to mentoring. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing your dreams and finding purpose. I emphasize this idea to students and help them connect their academic goals and personal ambitions. These books have inspired me to create a supportive, student-centered learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

You teach data science and technology. How can literature benefit people in these areas?

Literature is crucial for developing well-rounded professionals, even in the highly technical fields of data science and technology. Literature promotes critical thinking and increases our understanding of complex stories, which directly translates to problem solving in data science. Reading literature allows individuals to develop empathy and improve their communication skills, which is essential when working with teams, customers or end users.

Furthermore, literature encourages creativity and the ability to think outside the box – skills that are essential when developing innovative technological solutions. It provides a deeper understanding of human behavior and social patterns, which can be invaluable when designing algorithms, predicting trends or building user-facing applications. Ultimately, literature helps one see the bigger picture, connect technical work to real-world impact, and approach their projects more creatively and emotionally.

How has meeting authors like Robin Sharma or James Patterson inspired you?

Meeting authors like Robin Sharma and James Patterson has taught me valuable lessons about the power of good content and its impact on society. I learned how impactful writing can shape people’s perspectives, inspire action, and create lasting change. Their works have influenced millions of people and demonstrate how well-crafted stories and ideas resonate deeply with readers across cultures and generations.

These interactions have given me insight into the importance of understanding the audience and how approaching readers, whether through compelling stories or practical insights, can significantly improve the connection between the author and the audience.

In addition, I have seen how strategic marketing and a strong brand identity are crucial in increasing the reach and impact of content. Both Sharma and Patterson have mastered the art of building a loyal readership by delivering quality content and creating a sense of community around their work. These experiences inspired me to focus on clear communication, authenticity, and audience engagement, which are essential in writing, teaching, and professional endeavors.

You have authored and authored several books for platforms such as Forbes and Entrepreneur. Do you find that your literary background influences your writing style?

Yes, my literary background has influenced my writing style, especially when writing articles for platforms like Forbes Middle East, HuffPost, and Entrepreneur. Literature has taught me the power of storytelling, which I incorporate into my writing to make complex, contemporary topics more compelling and relatable.

Even in business or data science discussions, integrating narrative elements helps readers connect more deeply with the material. Through literature, I honed my skills in structuring arguments, building tension, and emphasizing important points, which allowed me to present my ideas more convincingly.

Furthermore, my literary background has made me more attuned to the human aspect of any subject. Whether I write about technological innovations or leadership strategies, I always emphasize themes such as human behavior, empathy and social impact. This holistic perspective, shaped by literature, allows me to approach contemporary issues in a way that informs, provokes thought and appeals to a broader audience.

What advice would you give students about combining their engineering studies with a passion for literature and art?

My advice to students balancing their technical studies with a passion for literature and art is to embrace the complementarity of these fields. While technical studies develop analytical and problem-solving skills, literature and the arts enhance creativity, empathy and critical thinking. Both can enrich your perspective, making you more versatile in solving complex problems.

As a professor who teaches MS/PhD students from diverse backgrounds at several U.S. universities, I have seen firsthand how those who integrate these two fields excel by providing a unique and holistic approach to their work. I continually learn new perspectives from my students, which enriches my understanding and helps me grow professionally and intellectually.

Make time for both; technical work can be mentally demanding, and literature or art provide a refreshing break that stimulates your imagination and keeps you balanced. Integrate your love of literature and art into your technical work; storytelling is crucial for presenting data and explaining complex concepts, while creativity drives innovative solutions.

Balancing both passions will help you grow as a well-rounded individual capable of logical precision and creative thinking, preparing you for success in any field.

Rajan Thapaliya’s five book recommendations

Killing a mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year: 1988

This novel is a compelling look at justice, empathy, and moral courage. It also encourages readers to stand up for what is right.

Sapiens

Author: Yuval Noah Harari

Publisher: Harper

Year: 2015

Harari presents a comprehensive journey through human history, offering insights into human development and social structures.

Thinking, fast and slow

Author: Daniel Kahneman

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Year: 2013

Nobel Prize winner Kahneman uses decades of research to reveal how our minds work and why we make the choices we do.

The alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Publisher: HarperTorch

Year: 1988

Coelho forces you to think about your passions and ambitions and inspires you to seek more meaning in personal and professional life.

1984

Author: George Orwell

Publisher: Secker & Warburg

Year: 1949

This book provides insight into the dangers of authoritarian regimes and underlines the crucial need to protect individual freedoms.