Upon the release of a new book, we like to ask our authors to share their thoughts on the how and why of their work. In Worlds of Wisdom: Fishing, Asher Erskine combines timeless insights and soothing illustrations to inspire.
What is the book about, and how did the idea for it come to you?
Worlds of Wisdom began with a simple idea: to gather the best of what has been thought, said, and passed down through generations, and present it in a way that feels both timeless and new. Each book is filled with quotes, proverbs, and insights from around the world. They’re designed to be beautiful to hold and meaningful to read – guides for living with more clarity and perspective.
Growing up with parents who were both deeply creative – a painter and a designer-sculptor-architect, shaped my outlook profoundly. It was an environment that encouraged curiosity and a broad appreciation for art, design, and craftsmanship. I’ve always been addicted to learning and personal growth, inspired by heroes like Steve Jobs, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo – all polymaths who shared the same curiosity for life that drives me. Worlds of Wisdom is my way of uniting those passions, offering readers a curated library of timeless knowledge, and perhaps helping them discover new ones.
The starting inspiration came from my late grandfather, Mossie. He is also a hero of mine. A doctor in the British Army and a man of great principle, he often shared “words of wisdom” that shaped me. I learned early on how much meaning a few simple words can carry, passed down through generations. The sayings that endure do so for a reason, and history often remembers its most iconic figures through their words. It’s fascinating how a single phrase can mean different things to different people.
The first book, Fishing, began as a gift idea. I wanted a book that captured the wisdom found in fishing but couldn’t find what I imagined, so designed it myself. I was fortunate that Luster saw the vision early on and brought it to life. Their expertise in crafting beautiful books made them the perfect partner.
Can you elaborate on why fishing is such a mindful practice and why there is much wisdom to be found there?
Fishing is one of humanity’s most ancient practices, with cave paintings dating back over 40,000 years. Once essential for survival, it has evolved into a pastime and sport, yet its essence remains unchanged. The deep connection to its origins is part of its power and taps into something primal – the way staring into a fire still holds our gaze. Fishing demands presence. It draws us away from daily noise and roots us in nature. Being near water calms the body and mind, and fishing amplifies that effect. The repetitive motions of something like fly fishing can even trigger a flow state, where time fades and focus becomes total. It also carries a humbling truth. You can have the perfect bait, location, timing, and gear, and still leave empty-handed. Luck plays a role, as it does in life. The best fishermen are more than masters of their tools - they read the weather, the seasons, the tides. They understand patience, preparation, timing, and resilience. It’s no surprise so many life lessons are drawn from fishing.
What draws you personally to the world of fishing, and water in general?
I’ve always felt deeply connected to water. I’ve been swimming all my life, and in recent years I’ve taken on a 15km marathon swim for charity each year. Now I’m training for open-water swimming as part of my first Ironman. I find long swims meditative, almost like an active sensory deprivation tank. I also work in powerboat racing as Head of Design at E1, where we race in iconic waters from Monaco to Venice to Miami. Swimming runs in my family.
My great uncle Ralph, a decorated swimmer and Sergeant in the King’s Royal Rifles during WWII, earned medals for rescuing drowning soldiers at Dunkirk and later swam to safety in Malta after his ship was attacked. Mossie swam almost daily his entire life.
My other grandfather, Michael, was a British Army Physical Training Instructor during the war and was known for swimming non-stop during fundraisers until the pool closed, forcing him to stop. I am so proud of that heritage and feel a genuine connection to them when I’m in the water. I guess part of my obsession feels like a responsibility to keep their history alive. Fishing has been part of my life since childhood - from early trips with my two older brothers to weekends with friends. What I love most is its simplicity. Despite all the modern equipment, the act itself remains beautifully unchanged.
You’ve gathered many quotes, ideas, and aphorisms in the book. Was there a particular one that stood out to you or is your personal favourite?
There are so many that I love, and I worked hard to only include those that felt genuinely powerful and thought-provoking. One that really resonated with me is from John F. Kennedy, speaking at the America’s Cup in 1962: “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.” It captures something profound: that the sea is part of our origin story, and life cannot exist without water. The pull we feel toward it isn’t imagined, but embedded in us.
Who is this book for?
The book, and the series, is for the curious. For those who love learning, value meaningful pursuits, and appreciate the power of words. It’s for anyone who finds beauty in stillness and meaning in the smallest of details.Fishing is a companion for life’s quieter moments and a reminder that the answers we seek are often waiting just beneath the surface.
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