Hobbies & Interests of Saksham Sharma
Exploring what fascinates me during my leisure time - from strategic board games to contemplating the cosmos.
Chess
Chess has been a lifelong passion of mine. I'm captivated by the infinite possibilities that emerge from a simple 8×8 board with 32 pieces. What I love most about chess is how it combines logical calculation with creative intuition, requiring both mathematical precision and artistic vision.
I enjoy studying classic games from grandmasters, exploring different opening strategies, and occasionally participating in online tournaments. For me, chess isn't just a game—it's a powerful metaphor for life itself, teaching patience, foresight, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Light Gaming
While I wouldn't describe myself as a hardcore gamer, I do enjoy light gaming as a way to relax and stimulate my mind. I'm particularly drawn to games with compelling narratives, strategic elements, or thought-provoking themes.
Some of my favorite genres include:
- Strategy and simulation games that require careful planning
- Role-playing games with rich world-building and character development
- Puzzle games that challenge my problem-solving abilities
- Indie games with unique concepts and artistic design
Gaming offers a unique form of interactive storytelling and mental challenge that I find both entertaining and rewarding.
Reading Novels
Books have always been portals to different worlds for me. Reading novels allows me to experience diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas without leaving my room. I enjoy a wide range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction.
Some of my favorite types of novels include:
- Science fiction that explores speculative futures and philosophical questions
- Fantasy novels with immersive world-building
- Literary fiction that offers insights into human psychology
- Historical novels that bring the past to life
Reading has shaped my thinking in countless ways, expanding my vocabulary, enhancing my empathy, and introducing me to ideas I might never have encountered otherwise.
Philosophy
Philosophy is more than an academic interest for me—it's a way of approaching life with curiosity and critical thinking. I enjoy contemplating fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and meaning. This philosophical inquiry helps me examine my own assumptions and develop a more coherent worldview.
I'm particularly interested in:
- Existentialist philosophy and questions of meaning and authenticity
- Eastern philosophical traditions, particularly Buddhist and Taoist thought
- Philosophy of mind and consciousness
- Ethics and how we should live in relation to others
What I value most about philosophy is not finding definitive answers, but developing better questions and more nuanced ways of thinking.
Scientific Theories & Mysteries
I've always been fascinated by scientific theories that attempt to explain the fundamental nature of reality. From quantum mechanics to evolutionary biology, I enjoy learning about how scientists make sense of the natural world through careful observation, experimentation, and theoretical modeling.
Some scientific areas that particularly captivate me include:
- Quantum physics and its counterintuitive implications
- Cosmology and theories about the origin and structure of the universe
- Neuroscience and the biological basis of consciousness
- Unsolved scientific mysteries and the frontiers of human knowledge
I find that understanding science enriches my appreciation of the natural world and provides a powerful framework for distinguishing reliable knowledge from speculation.
Cosmos, Deep Sea & Time
Some of my most meaningful moments come from simply wondering about the vastness of the cosmos, the mysteries of the deep sea, and the unfathomable expanse of time. These contemplations give me a sense of perspective that I find both humbling and awe-inspiring.
I'm particularly drawn to:
- Astronomy and the incredible scale of cosmic structures
- Deep sea exploration and the strange lifeforms that exist in extreme environments
- Geological and evolutionary timescales that dwarf human history
- The philosophical implications of our place in this vast universe
This cosmic perspective helps me approach daily concerns with greater equanimity and appreciate the remarkable fact of our existence.
Watching Anime
Anime has become an important cultural medium for me, offering unique storytelling styles, visual aesthetics, and thematic explorations that often differ from Western media. What I appreciate most about anime is its diversity—from profound philosophical narratives to lighthearted comedies, there's truly something for everyone.
Some of the anime genres and series I enjoy include:
- Psychological and philosophical anime that explore complex themes
- Science fiction and fantasy anime with imaginative worldbuilding
- Slice-of-life series that capture the beauty in ordinary moments
- Classic anime that have defined the medium and influenced global pop culture
Beyond entertainment, anime has introduced me to aspects of Japanese culture and storytelling traditions that I might not have encountered otherwise.
Web Series
The golden age of television and streaming has produced some remarkable web series that offer deep character development and nuanced storytelling over many episodes. I enjoy thoughtfully-crafted series that balance entertainment with substantive themes and quality production.
My interests in web series include:
- Character-driven dramas that explore complex moral questions
- Science fiction series that imagine alternative futures
- Historical dramas that bring different eras to life
- Documentary series that offer deep dives into fascinating subjects
What I value most in a web series is not just the plot, but the themes it explores and the emotional truths it reveals about the human experience.