Name: Trying Not to Try
ISBN: 9780770437619

Edward Gilman Slingerland

Explores "why we find spontaneity so elusive and shows how early Chinese philosophy points the way to happier, more authentic lives"--Dust jacket flap.

The Art and Science of Spontaneity

Trying Not to Try

John Nettles

Slingerland’s book focuses mainly on the essence of spontaneity, examining the power, perception, and cultivation of the concept. A concept of wu-wei (ooo way) and de are the central concepts. We-wei is best explained as “in-the-zone”-ness, a sort of unconscious excellence when all the pieces of the universe align. “De” is the name for the power. 

Wu-wei is naturally elusive and fraught with paradox. This is necessary partly because humans must have a way to separate the genuine members of society from the imposters. A church group is populated both by those who will keep the faith as well as imposters who want access to higher social circles of the church. 
Given this predisposing to authenticity, wu-wei has a social power as well. People tend to trust and gravitate toward those who appear authentic; we know we can trust them. Slingerland also discusses how alcohol can create trustworthiness in the same way.

The book delves deeply into eastern religion and serves as a palatable crash course into Daoism and Confucianism. The Ancient Chinese put great thought into cultivation of in-the-zoneness. This is in deep contrast to Western thought of “disembodied rationalism,” which seems to mean logical, natural rules that function independently of humans. 

One way for dispelling wu wei is dualistic thinking, primarily in the “good” or “bad” forms. Designating an act as bad causes “ego depletion” when not performing that act. 
There are four main schools of thought for getting in the zone with varying levels of effort. On one side, there is the do-it to-it Confucianism, to the Zhuangzi “let it go” approach. The author does not pick favorites, but seems to think that each one has it’s place and time. 

This is not a self-help book, but it does come with that same imperative feeling of trying to implement the new knowledge IRL. However, the inherent paradox puts on the breaks before the train leaves the station. All one can do is watch themselves oscillate between trying not to try and then trying. The only way out is to sigh.

Edward Slingerland

A Guardian Best Book of 2014 A 2014 Brain Pickings Best Book on Psychology, Philosophy, and How to Live Meaningfully Why is it hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? What if, contrary to what we have long been told, spontaneity - not striving - is the answer to success? 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 embody a spontaneous way of being and live more fulfilling lives.

The Ancient Art of Effortlessness and the Surprising Power of Spontaneity

Rory O'K

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.

Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity

A Guardian Best Book of 2014A 2014 Brain Pickings Best Book on Psychology, Philosophy, and How to Live MeaningfullyWhy is it hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? What if, contrary to what we have long been told, spontaneity - not striving - is the answer to success? 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 embody a spontaneous way of being and live more fulfilling lives.

Trying Not to Try The Art and Science of Spontaneity