- Paperback: 480 pages
- Publisher: HarperPaperbacks (1 Oct 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0688163521
- ISBN-13: 978-0688163525
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14.2 x 3.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 355,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
The Importance of Living is a wry, witty antidote to the dizzying pace of the modern world. Lin Yutang's prescription is the classic Chinese philosophy of life: Revere inaction as much as action, invoke humor to maintain a healthy attitude, and never forget that there will always be plenty of fools around who are willing-indeed, eager-to be busy, to make themselves useful, and to exercise power while you bask in the simple joy of existence.At a time when we're overwhelmed with wake-up calls, here is a refreshing, playful reminder to savor life's simple pleasures.
About the Author
LIN YUTANG was born in 1895 to a mission family and became one of the best-known Chinese scholars and writers.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
In what follows I am presenting the Chinese point of view, because I cannot help my self. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
In what follows I am presenting the Chinese point of view, because I cannot help my self. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I actually found this book whilst browsing the shelves in a thrift shop in a village in England. I liked the look of the title and it cost me the princely sum of 50 pence sterling. What a find - Yutang's words of wisdom often comfort when the world seems like its turning upside down. This book has been on many of my travels, I often recommend it to friends hoping they'll get as much out of the prose as I did. In a Global World that seems to be moving ever faster - its a pleasure to take time off, relax and philosophize with the Author. This book is never far from hand, I often re-read chapters when in need of inspiration. Kick of the shackles, open up the pages, spark one up and spend some time alone - you'll be a wiser and more tolerant human being for having read this book.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I recommend this book for all the skeptics and agnostics out there who need a bit of moral support for a more humanitarian and less religious point of view. Plus, how many books are there with chapters about Loafing, Lying in Bed, Smoking and Drinking Tea ? Apart from these Yutang covers moral, philosphical and cultural issues in a very relaxed and entertaining way. The only drawback is that he has some old-fashioned views about women and the family but as the book was originally written in the 1930's we can probably forgive him for that (this doesn't detract from the other good ideas that he has).
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Relax in a nice old rocking chair up in the mountains, prepare yourself a pot of jasmine or rose bud tea and indulge yourself with the wise words of Lin Yutang. This book has altered my perception of life and living.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wise & Funny
Reading Lin Yutangs brilliantly laid back philosophy is a pleasure. He has terrific humour as well as seriousness, is straightforward despite being profound. Read more
Published on 21 July 2009 by Dominic M. Garnett
Wonderfully entertaining and enlightening...
I discovered Lin Yutang by accident. Nevertheless, I was hooked immediately after reading the first chapter. Read more
Published on 30 Sep 2005 by R. S. Tonder
Wisdom for a mad world
Just to give an idea of how great this book is here is a quote from it that is on the wall above my desk at work:
'Miserable indeed is a world in which we have knowledge... Read more
'Miserable indeed is a world in which we have knowledge... Read more
Published on 4 July 2005 by J. N. Benfield
Art of living from the sons of Cathay
This delightful book is certainly worth the reader's
while when the author's succintly bring you into his
confidence and reveal in an unbutton mood his experience... Read more
while when the author's succintly bring you into his
confidence and reveal in an unbutton mood his experience... Read more
Published on 30 Nov 1996
Art of living from the sons of Cathay
This delightful book is certainly worth the reader's
while when the author's succintly bring you into his
confidence and reveal in an unbutton mood his experience... Read more
while when the author's succintly bring you into his
confidence and reveal in an unbutton mood his experience... Read more
Published on 30 Nov 1996
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