About the book
Lin Yutang offers the classic Chinese philosophy of life as a remedy for the hurried pace of the modern world. His prescription is to revere inaction as much as action, to use humor to keep a healthy outlook, and to let others compete to be busy, useful and in charge while one enjoys the simple joy of existence. Drawing on traditional Chinese culture and ideas such as the Tao, moderation and comfort, he holds that happiness comes from inner contentment rather than outside sources, and urges attention to everyday moments and the meaning found in simplicity. First published in 1937, it became a major best seller.
Austin Kleon, who found it through Will Schwalbe's Books For Living, described it as a guide to the old Chinese art of relaxing and living well, while advising readers to skip chapter 8 for its sexist views.
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This book has 1 recommendation
Austin Kleon (Writer, artist)
I learned about this 1937 bestseller while reading Will Schwalbe’s Books For Living. It’s basically a book about the ancient Chinese art of chilling out and living a good life. (One thing: If you pick it up, just skip chapter 8 and Lin Yutang’s sexist views.) The book celebrates other writers who got me through the year — Thoreau, Whitman, Lao Tzu. I find it fitting that the only other person I knew who’d ever read it was the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who said in 2010, “If you read 1 book this year… make it this… no words to describe.)
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