Trying Not to Try

The Art and Science of Spontaneity

By: Edward Slingerland

Narrated by: Marc Cashman

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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Wuwei and/is Beginner's Mind

An excellent balancing of ancient scholarship and everday modern experience. The author demystifies the topic while maintaining its complexity.

Excellent resource for better life

Also though provoking introduction to Chinese culture plus a guide to improving our education culture

excellent discussion of ancient Chinese philosophy

excellent discussion of the truth-bits of ancient Chinese philosophy and contemporary science to support it.

delightful-more history blended with science

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I found myself pleasantly surprised, engrossed and have discovered a new interest in ancient Chinese religious philosophy
I thought it was going to be a pop science book. the first chapeter or two makes you think "this is going to turn into a weird self help book"
but then it doesn't and it's a fascinating ride through various Chinese philosophies with occasional side bars into neuroscience. highly recommend

Another X-Ray Through the Crystal of Being Human

Strongly resonated with me, and have me a glimpse into Chinese philosophy and worldview. Gave me permission to relax more and let things just happen.