Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity First Edition Edition

by Edward Slingerland (Author)

87 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0770437619

ISBN-10: 0770437613

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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.

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Product Details

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Crown; First Edition edition (March 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0770437613
ISBN-13: 978-0770437619
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.1 x 9.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #157 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Philosophy
- #169 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Cognitive
- #299 in Books > Science & Math > Behavioral Sciences > Cognitive Psychology

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Top Customer Reviews

Don't Yank Your Sprouts

Byfrankp93VINE VOICEon March 19, 2014

Format: HardcoverVine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )

I enjoyed `Trying Not To Try' a great deal for what it is, but found the blurb description somewhat misleading and the self-help category a less-than perfect fit. The book leans far more towards the philosophical than the practical. This is not some overly self-conscious, hands-on tutorial about applying meditative practices and self-analysis to sleep better and perform at maximum potential.

While there's nothing preventing such a takeaway, Slingerland's argument extends outward from the personal to the societal as he makes the case for the continued relevance of early Chinese thought - primarily that of Confucius and Lao-tzu - to the modern world and how ancient ideas rightly complement, and in many ways parallel, the latest developments in cognitive science.

I found the format very effective and cohesive: Several fairly long chapters open with an exposition of one or more Chinese schools of thought illustrated and contrasted by colorful tales and excerpts of ancient texts. Then, almost without realizing it, Slingerland effortlessly segues into some contemporary reference to a study or publication in cognitive science that confirms or elaborates on the earlier ideas.

I found it a much more pleasant reading experience than the alternate approach of more, shorter chapters expressly alternating Chinese Thought/Cognitive Science/Chinese Thought/etc.

The core of the book is the age-old dichotomy out of which both Confucianism and the ideas of Lao-tzu grew: Must human beings be trained to be virtuous or is it in their essential nature? Are conscious effort and striving to be virtuous admirable goals or are they in fact the source of individual (and by extension, societal) ills? This is the paradox expressed as "trying hard not to try" versus "not trying to `not try'".

It's a bit of a mental tongue-twister but fortunately Slingerland's prose is clear and very readable. In fact, the author's tone was initially a bit of a turn-off and a distraction: it felt so breezy and colloquial as though Slingerland was himself trying too hard to impress a college-aged audience with numerous references to dating rituals and partying. But as the depth of the author's understanding and compassion made itself clear, the offhand pop culture references served as an effective counterbalance to the otherwise existential ideas.

A philosophy professor of mine once suggested the best way to read the learned texts she assigned was to ease back on a comfortable coach, crack open a brew or bottle, and take it slow.

I'd suggest the same for `Trying Not to Try'. Slingerland is certainly learned about early Chinese thought but his prose is far from stuffy and obscure. But don't be fooled - there are some enormously relevant and profound ideas in this book, some more practical than others, but all worth exploring.

0Comment 55 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Ancient Chinese Thought Meets Modern Day Life

ByJen from Jerseyon March 15, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I am fascinated by the concept of wu-wei or "trying not to try". We live in such a competitive, dog eat dog society. We are always looking to be bigger, better, faster. Our daily life is often frenetic and rushed. There is always too much to do. And there is so much pressure (often self-induced). I am a therapist and I often talk with with my clients about slowing down, breathing, being grateful, being present in the moment. Figuring out what they love - what they do best - how they want to live out this one life they have in front of them.

Slingerland touches on all of these ideas as he explores the pursuit of wu-wei and the magical presence of people who possess "de". How do these people have it? Why are we so drawn to them? How can we get it for ourselves? When I think of people like this I realize that they are usually doing something they love - something that comes so naturally to them. I think about brilliant doctors who immediately put you at ease, my mother who effortlessly cultivates beautiful gardens and homes, my friend who is a calming yoga teacher, musicians who knock you off your feet and carry you along for the ride. I'm in wu-wei when I am experiencing a particularly productive session with a client. We are connecting and they are then connecting the dots about their life.

Slingerland incorporates ancient Chinese thought, neuroscience, cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, religion, music, astronomy, and even parenting techniques as he explores this topic. Anyone reading this book will find something to connect to - Slingerland discusses musicians (from jazz to Led Zeppelin), master butchers, carvers, Michelangelo, soccer moms, Greek hedonists, tortured artists, Descartes, Woody Allen, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Star Wars, Thoreau, Picasso, the benefits of alcohol for inducing wu-wei, and the importance of manners. Oh, and he also talks about all those old Chinese guys and the many wise things they knew - even thousands of years ago.

Despite the depth and intensity of some of the ancient Chinese text, Slingerland's ability to intersperse present day examples and humor make this an easy, flowing read (no pun intended) for anyone. And the humor often comes when you least expect it, which is refreshing. Slingerland sounds like a cool dude - someone with whom sharing good food and wine would be great fun.
Bottom line - do what you love and what feels natural. Be a good person. Be good to others. Listen to those who came before us. Connect with people and places. The de will come and the wu-wei will follow.

Jen C.

22 comments 43 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Most Recent Customer Reviews

Don't waist your time.

Didn't resonate for me. Regurgitated information drawing on speculative conclusions.

Published 22 days ago by Pegs

Published 3 months ago by Kattamuri S. Sarma

The Chinese Got it Right--and So Can We

What a brilliant book! The author actually illustrates the principle in his writing, which makes this so easy to read even though it is amazingly well-researched.Read more

Published 4 months ago by Ghost Reader

you won't find a better writer on Wu-Wei in the west

Grand words,good book, I will be short and sweet on this one, you won't find a better writer on Wu-Wei in the west, hands down.

Published 4 months ago by Vincent

" this book has tons to offer the modern person looking for ways and REASONS to relax a bit in order to DO BETTER. Slingerland a

Even if you don't care much at all for China, Chinese philosophy, or "words of the sages," this book has tons to offer the modern person looking for ways and REASONS to...Read more

Published 5 months ago by Amazon Customer

I love this book!

The book gives a very good overview of the ancient Chinese philosophy with some astonishing ideas which have some basis in the contemporary cognitive science.Read more

Published 7 months ago by Nataša MV

very worthwhile

Published 7 months ago by Ron Abraham

The Relevance of Ancient China

This book lays out the essence of Eastern philosophical thought in very accessible language. The focus is on Warring States China, approximately 700-300 BCE.

Published 7 months ago by Barbara N. Kuehner

I loved this book. My first exposure to Slingerland was through his free online course on Edx and I felt he was an unusually gifted teacher.

Published 1 year ago by Super Knot

It was a wonderfully clarifying book on subjects I am deeply interested in. Thank you!

Published 1 year ago by Kirsten-Marie Halland

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