I read this book once all the way through and then skimmed various parts of the book at other times so I feel like I should know the book well, however, I have struggled writing a review. This may be because I didn't write this review directly after reading the book (always easier!) but it may be because I was not so critical when reading it; I simply found it a pleasurable read whereby some of the ways of philosophies suggested, which may generally differ to what most of us in the west act out (not always however), can be beneficial. I thought there was a lack of a conclusion, although I didn't think it was attempting to unearth a completed vision of how to live your life; it did as titled if a little less dramatically; suggest different perspectives on how to think (philosphy should do this!). My knowledge of philosphy, religion and history are poor however and in much need of additional work so this may relate to a beginner. There were contradictions, parts that were unscientific, could have benefited with some better referencing of the quotes and sometimes areas that could be seen as a little mystical were given serious contemplation but I felt I could take away new and reminders of nuggets of beneficial alternative perspectives and I value that highly.
The book looks at some chinese philosophies and relates the many concepts to a western life; here are a select few.
It talks about one perspective in that we are all good but we need to cultivate that goodness. The importance of ritual; for example being polite to strangers to remind oneself we are people or meditating every day to help working together the mind and body. We confine ourselves to roles where, instead, we could look to adapt ourselves to the situation. The importance of the heart-mind concept (xin) such as being in control of our emotions and acting on them using both the emotions and the logical mind.
A focus on Laozi discussing where when ups and downs occur in life we shouldn't get too attached to either but he also suggests a 'don't die in shackles' message to avoid passivity. Goodness and wisdom can be dangerous distinctions however that may take us away from 'The Way' (a more natural path without so much change or struggle). Addressing connectedness between all parts is examined, looking at the whole (how the parts interrelate) as well as the detail. Action is not always more beneficial or powerful than non-action.
Different life energies such as qi, levels of qi; inannimate or turbid (stones and rocks), vital essence (animals and plants), consousness or spirit (humans). Important to cultivate qi to cultivate energy; our energy levels shouldn't be so dependent on our ups and downs. A discussion on the importance of balance, the Wuxin for example suggests the five virtues; goodness, propriety, knowledge, ritual and sagacity should be given equal importance in life. Classical china highlights the importance of poetry in educated people and discussions on the 'Inward way' collection of verses suggests poetry solves anger, music solves worry.
Zhuangzi, 'are you a butterfly dreaming of being a human?' This is not posed as a head scratcher, more to provide a different perspective on reality and generally be inquisitive and open and expansive in thought. The french concept of flaneur; strolling and taking in your surroundings can give people different perspectives. A reminder that death is one of the many cycles of the way and natural.
Xunzi thinks that 'crooked wood can be straightened'. Artiface / wei, think and act, not just one. Rituals control our less helpful reactions; a mother has to teach her child how to behave through many small rituals. He also thinks that artificially constructed things and worlds can be good.
The content was decent, possibly in a slightly shallow way in that there wasn't deep, critical analysis or opposing sides but to discuss all the ideas in detail, critically and presenting alternatives would be huge and out of scope of a book in this style. Did the book have a message? I think the general message was that Chinese philosophers have some perspectives that may help us deal with situations differently and constructively. Of course these perspectives are available in western society, as a non-religious person without a religous education I may have missed out on this kind of stuff through Christianity but I do believe some of the tools and perspectives the book suggests are lacking in the western world and in certain situations we could benefit from them.
One area which I did find a little patronising was the simplistic examples relating the philosphy in question to western life however I found this gave time to consider the philosophy in question and generally made the book easier to read and more accessible. Also there was, I thought, some critisim of western life and that Chinese philosphies might be better but I genuinely do think we can learn a little so this didn't bother me either.
Most importantly what did I get out of this book; a reminder that there are different ways to see the world and those ways may help me in my daily life.
Recommended.
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