Michael Dobbs-Higginson - A Raindrop in the Ocean: The Extraordinary Life of a Global Adventurer

Descended from a long line of adventurers, Michael Dobbs-Higginson was born in Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe in 1941.

Spending his most formative years in Japan, where he embraced Zen Buddhism, he eventually became an investment banker and is a recognised authority on the Asia Pacic region. He is currently chairman and shareholder of three companies developing electric vehicles, industrial electric drones and an e-commerce platform for Africa.

With his French wife Marie-Thrse he has three grown-up children. He lives in Singapore, London and France.

Evoking the rugged individualism of Frosts The Road Not Taken and Thoreaus censure, The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, Michael seeks the unfamiliar and the challenging. His restless journey leads us around the world, not as a spectator, but as a participant. He embraces uncertainty and loneliness for the awareness and richness of life they can bring. Read this to your grandchildren; there is hope some of them can become true individuals.

Peter Luthy

UK/USA/Switzerland

So much has happened since I read this book and started focusing on ego-minimisation and substance. I am truly convinced that putting my ego aside has enabled me to achieve much more than when it was tying me to the ground, forcing me to re-think all my actions and reactions because of social pressure. Life is a lot more natural now, and thus much more rewarding. I have also had job offers from two major energy companies, thanks in part to my new sense of what is or isnt important. This book has completely changed the way I approach life; hopefully it will help others, too.

Anne-Sgolne Capelle (28)

Chemical engineering doctoral student

I have read my share of post-colonial stories. But Michaels story of the bush boy of good lineage takes us on a journey of self-discovery that is both moving and fascinating. The story includes throwbacks to an ancestral buccaneering spirit, but also shows how that spirit can adapt to the risk-filled world of money. It is told with a raw honesty that comes from knowing that he has little time left to live, and draws on the ego-freeing principles in Zen Buddhism that he has internalised. It is a story I commend for those who are not afraid to brave our turbulent world.

Professor Wang Gungwu

World authority on China and its overseas diaspora

An entertaining tale of Michael, with his insatiable curiosity, keen wit and irresistible charm, travelling around the world, exploring places and enjoying people, handling the peaks and valleys on his journey with great spirit and balance. What better way to live?

Chris Tan
Founder, Ivory Capital, Singapore

Michael, in our minds, will forever be dressed in a dhoti , kimono, longyi, barong or some other exotic garb. From the first page of his memoir, his life appears as truly extraordinary and exciting, revealing the variety and uniqueness of his and his familys lifelong global adventures. Great reading for intimate friends and for strangers, who will soon be caught up in the fascination that is Michael.

Reuben and Arlene Mark
Former chairman and CEO, Colgate Palmolive, USA

Stories maketh the man, and Michaels voyage from Africa to Japan, to Mongolia to Hong Kong and so on truly outlines what kind of man he is, and what kind of life he has led. A worthwhile read for any strong-willed, independent individual looking to make something of life the way Michael has.

India du Cann (24)

Fashion industry professional

Its hard to write my comments, simply because I was so greatly moved. Its the glorification of adventure, but also the value of monasticism the blending of a pioneer with that of a Buddhist monk. Its the story of how hardship breeds hope, which breeds personal success.

Nothing can go wrong if you have the right attitude, a sense of purpose, resourcefulness and good energy. Though Im not sure this is just a book more like a memoir/autobiography/life prescription manual/adventure tale/legacy reading for the younger generations. Or all of the above.

The continuous struggle of minimising the demands of your ego while maximising your inherent curiosity and need to explore comes out very clearly in the book, and is utterly interesting and relevant in todays world. I also loved the connectivity and commentary of the various travel stories/incidents with major world events (political, economic, social, and financial). It made the book extra lively and current.

Vasilis Kertsikoff

Ship-owner, Greece

It was an effortless and quite delightful read, and I did not want it to end. The story goes beyond simply describing a life full of thrills, adventures, achievements and failures. It describes a state of mind needed to best withstand what life has to offer (or take), which is a valuable lesson in itself for a young man like myself, and should become a part of my own voyage through life.

Lucas Langlois (24)

Nuclear engineering student

A friend of over 30 years, Michael has always been a thinker and a doer. I am sure his memoir will confirm this remarkable character, and at the same time gives the readers the enjoyment of following Michaels interesting life journey.

Dr. Vichit Surapongchai

Chairman Siam Commercial Bank, Bangkok, Thailand

Michael is one of those larger than life fellows; driven by an insatiable curiosity and desire for adventure that took him from a mountaintop Buddhist monastery in Japan to the board rooms of the most prestigious investment banks in the world. It has been a privilege and an honour to meet him, and I hope that this book will help others like myself to benefit from his wisdom and passionate thirst for life.