Show notes
Success does not always come from thinking, trying or striving harder. The ancient Chinese philosophers believed that wu-wei – effortless action aligned with the natural order of things – was the answer. Edward Slingerland, author of Trying Not to Try: Ancient China, Modern Science and the Power of Spontaneity, presents Confucius’, Laozi’s, Mencius’, and Zhuangzi’s strategies to access wu-wei, as well as the cognitive science demonstrating its power.Topics Wu-wei, De, and the Way (5:50) Confucius, Laozi, Mencius and Zhuangzi’s strategies to enter wu-wei (23:15) Applying wu-wei to work and careers (33:20)Edward SlingerlandEdward Slingerland is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, where he also holds adjunct appointments in Philosophy and Psychology. His research specialties and teaching interests include Warring States (5th-3rd c. B.C.E.) Chinese thought, religious studies, cognitive linguistics, ethics, and the relationship between the humanities and the natural sciences.Edward SlingerlandEdward Slingerland Episode Write-Up & LinksI write too! Join my private email list to be notified of new content and exclusive rewards for subscribers.
