Trying Not to Try

The Art and Science of Spontaneity

By: Edward Slingerland

Narrated by: Marc Cashman

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2014 Edward Slingerland (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Looks like a self-help book, but it’s actually an insightful and lucid introduction to some of the most fruitful ideas in ancient Chinese philosophy."—Julian Baggini, The Guardian

"Edward Slingerland treats us to a work of seminal importance. Yet never was there such an important book that takes itself so lightly. Slingerland explains the correspondence between ancient Chinese philosophical ideas about wu-wei, or doing by not doing, and modern neuroscience."—Huffington Post

"Trying not to Try is an enlightening introduction to the often misunderstood mindset of wu-wei, the 'being in the moment' that is the key to Eastern wisdom. Slingerland's volume is an invaluable guide to anyone on the quest for a full life, lived spontaneously."—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow

Excellent resource for better life

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

Insightful look at Eastern "enlightenment"

As someone rais ed as a fentalist form of Christianity from conception, and having later practicrd. Zen, Kundelini Yoga land more, it was very insightful!

Confuciusion

A reasonably useful commentary on Wu Wei. The many references to Confucius were a distraction.

Interesting, but not as anticipated

An entertaining examination of ancient Chinese philosophy, but not the manual for spontaneity it advertises itself as. Quite a few passages and points that will make you stop and think, but ultimately leaves you with more questions than answers.

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

Wooden performance

Couldn’t finish it. Narrator was either a robot or overly processed. Distracted from content. Might be lovely to others, but made it hard to engage.

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.

Description misleading

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The history of Chinese philosophy is no doubt interesting and I enjoyed learning about these thinkers. But the book falls far short of the mark when it comes to practical applications for contemporary life. In addition, I found it deeply strange the amount of times dating strategies are mentioned; the author even addresses "The System"and "The Rules".

What could Edward Slingerland have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Made the book a more even split between philosophy and practical advice.

What does Marc Cashman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He reads with a sense of humor that made the long summaries of history more enjoyable.

Do you think Trying Not to Try needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not really, it just wasn't interesting enough for me to justify reading another book by Slingerland.

GREAT foray into a classic paradox

This book is a detailed, fascinating, well researched discussion of how we can remedy an ages old philosophical paradox.