Trying Not to Try

Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Eastern, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Interpersonal Relations, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Trying Not to Try by Edward Slingerland, Crown/Archetype
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Edward Slingerland ISBN: 9780770437626
Publisher: Crown/Archetype Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Crown Language: English
Author: Edward Slingerland
ISBN: 9780770437626
Publisher: Crown/Archetype
Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Crown
Language: English

A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity—an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand—and why it is so essential to our well-being
** **
Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire.
 
In Trying Not To Try, Edward Slingerland explains why we find spontaneity so elusive, and shows how early Chinese thought points the way to happier, more authentic lives. We’ve long been told that the way to achieve our goals is through careful reasoning and conscious effort. But recent research suggests that many aspects of a satisfying life, like happiness and spontaneity, are best pursued indirectly. The early Chinese philosophers knew this, and they wrote extensively about an effortless way of being in the world, which they called wu-wei (ooo-way). They believed it was the source of all success in life, and they developed various strategies for getting it and hanging on to it.
 
With clarity and wit, Slingerland introduces us to these thinkers and the marvelous characters in their texts, from the butcher whose blade glides effortlessly through an ox to the wood carver who sees his sculpture simply emerge from a solid block. Slingerland uncovers a direct line from wu-wei to the Force in Star Wars, explains why wu-wei is more powerful than flow, and tells us what it all means for getting a date. He also shows how new research reveals what’s happening in the brain when we’re in a state of wu-wei—why it makes us happy and effective and trustworthy, and how it might have even made civilization possible.
 
Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives. Trying Not To Try is mind-expanding and deeply pleasurable, the perfect antidote to our striving modern culture.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity—an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand—and why it is so essential to our well-being
** **
Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire.
 
In Trying Not To Try, Edward Slingerland explains why we find spontaneity so elusive, and shows how early Chinese thought points the way to happier, more authentic lives. We’ve long been told that the way to achieve our goals is through careful reasoning and conscious effort. But recent research suggests that many aspects of a satisfying life, like happiness and spontaneity, are best pursued indirectly. The early Chinese philosophers knew this, and they wrote extensively about an effortless way of being in the world, which they called wu-wei (ooo-way). They believed it was the source of all success in life, and they developed various strategies for getting it and hanging on to it.
 
With clarity and wit, Slingerland introduces us to these thinkers and the marvelous characters in their texts, from the butcher whose blade glides effortlessly through an ox to the wood carver who sees his sculpture simply emerge from a solid block. Slingerland uncovers a direct line from wu-wei to the Force in Star Wars, explains why wu-wei is more powerful than flow, and tells us what it all means for getting a date. He also shows how new research reveals what’s happening in the brain when we’re in a state of wu-wei—why it makes us happy and effective and trustworthy, and how it might have even made civilization possible.
 
Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives. Trying Not To Try is mind-expanding and deeply pleasurable, the perfect antidote to our striving modern culture.

More books from Science

Cover of the book Migrants at Work by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Street Persons Who Are They? by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Some of the Best From Tor.com, 2013 Edition by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Halloween Carnival Volume 5 by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book The Rope Girls and the Las Vegas Vampires by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Ses partenaires Viken by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book The relationship between national identity and hybrid identities facilitated by migration in western multicultural societies by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Regional Residuals Environmental Quality Management Modeling by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Principles and Applications of Fermentation Technology by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Maddrax - Folge 289 by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book City of Sin by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Decentring Urban Governance by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Combating Poverty by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book The Semiotics of Heritage Tourism by Edward Slingerland
Cover of the book Youth Gangs in International Perspective by Edward Slingerland
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy