Trying Not to Try

Ancient China, Modern Science, and the Power of Spontaneity

by Edward Slingerland

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.

A Guardian Best Book of 2014

A 2014 Brain Pickings Best Book on Psychology, Philosophy, and How to Live Meaningfully

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.

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WHat People Are Saying

“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

“Ancient Chinese philosophy has never been more accessible. Not even in ancient China. Slingerland is not just a philosopher, he’s a time traveller.”

— Russell Brand, author of Revolution

“Trying Not to Try navigates the confluence of two mighty rivers: the burgeoning science of the mind and the classic wisdom of China’s Taoist and Confucian traditions. This is a thoughtful, grounded book about traditions that should be better known—and more often put into practice—in the West.”

— Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell is Human

“East meets West in Edward Slingerland’s Trying Not to Try, an entertaining and thought-provoking account of how the principles of ancient Chinese thought continue to apply—indeed, may apply even more—in modern times. Slingerland will make you reconsider your approach to everyday life and will challenge you to approach success—and failure—in a new, refreshing and reenergizing light.”

— Maria Konnikova, author of Mastermind

“In this fascinating book, Edward Slingerland tackles one of the most infuriating obstacles we encounter in our attempts to live meaningful lives. When we try with too much conscious effort to feel happy, or achieve our goals, we sabotage ourselves – but trying to be spontaneous is equally futile. The way out of this paradox is wu-wei, the ancient Chinese ideal of effortless yet accomplished living. Trying Not To Try is both a deeply researched history of this enviable state of relaxed success, and a witty guide to achieving it yourself. Don’t overthink whether you’re going to read it — just read it”

— Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking

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