Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity
December 16, 2013
Throughout human history, successful and charming individuals have been envisioned as people who do things effortlessly, yet in modern Western thought, rational thinkers and “go-getters” are idolized. Slingerland (What Science Offers the Humanities), a professor of Asian studies at the Univ. of British Columbia, runs through historical philosophy and returns to the ancient Chinese idea of wu-wei, or “effortless action,” where individuals become in tune with their bodies and exhibit de, an aura that signals trust and relaxation. Individuals in a state of wu-wei can be found in all career paths—from the businessman giving an effective speech to the tennis player with an effortless swing, as well as from the presidential candidate to the artist “in the zone.” Slingerland presents four different ways of achieving wu-wei, as given to us by Chinese philosophers such as Confucius and Laozi: “long-term training,” “embrac simplicity,” nurturing “desirable behavior,” or “go with the flow.” Through anecdotes Slingerland explains the scientific reasoning behind why achieving wu-wei can be difficult—he evens presents a small exercise that demonstrates the feeling of disharmony in a small context. This guide is better suited to Chinese philosophy enthusiasts rather than to readers of how-to books; still, there are many insightful strategies for those studying self-improvement.
February 1, 2014
How an ancient Chinese philosophy applies to the strictures of modern life. Slingerland (Asian Studies and Chinese Thought/Univ. of British Columbia; What Science Offers the Humanities: Integrating Body and Culture, 2008, etc.) introduces broad strategies for attaining and instilling the ancient Taoist art of wu-wei ("no trying"), a clear unselfconsciousness of the self. Developed by early Chinese philosophers such as Confucius, Laozi and Xunzi, wu-wei induces de, the simultaneous harmony of the mind, body and spirit, producing a calm outward posture that's palpably reassuring and trusting to others. The author presents the many ways to achieve de, as detailed by early Chinese philosophers, and he discusses how this uncontrived state brings a new understanding and valuing to one's life. Slingerland lucidly addresses the power of developing a "cultured spontaneity" and accessibly explains how the need to shut off our minds and bodies can be challenging in an age when smarter and faster is the status quo. Further, he explores the lives and work of five "thinkers" who taught their philosophies during the upheaval of the Warring States period in ancient China and what modern culture can learn from the practice of wu-wei. Richly fortified with Daoist parables and anecdotes, the narrative offers examples of the history and consistent effectiveness of wu-wei, including the author's own attainment of it while penning this book within the coveted "writing zone." Delivered via clever and convincing explanation, Slingerland advocates for the adoption of wu-wei into daily life, and in doing so, true contentment and serenity should follow. "In addition to helping us get beyond strong mind-body dualism," he writes, "the Chinese concepts of wu-wei and de reveal important aspects of spontaneity and human cooperation that have slipped through the nets of modern science." A studious and fluent appeal for the benefits of a sound mind.
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