Indeed, beautiful insight into Lao Zi's inner mind. While I find Edmund Ryden's and DC Lau's versions most apt to the direct Chinese translation, I do like Lin Yu Tang's perspective. 儉故能廣 "Through not doing too much, one has amplitude (of reserve power)"!
There 3 treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility has much to offer as they are overshadowed in our current market-driven society.
I always find Lin's translations elegant and creative, with his sometimes direct yet gentle humor. I guess it is because he was also such a great literary writer.
I like this chapter a lot, as it summarizes the essence of Laozi's life principles, although he has many other gems. I also appreciate him doing this for his political philosophy in Ch. 57 and his understanding of the Tao in Ch. 25, succinct but directly presenting his thoughts.
I will definitely check out more of Lin Yutang’s work. Thanks for also sharing the other chapters. Bookmarking a number of your posts, including this one, for revisiting. :)
I started with his biographical works, The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo and Lady Wu.
But The Importance of Living might be a better start. It's composed of theme-based essays and an easy read. If you are interested in the Chinese way of life or traditional China (based on Lin's observations before 1949), I would definitely suggest My Country and My People. It is masterfully and beautifully written and describes a China we can never return to.
Also, Moment in Peking is a must-read literary work from him.
His other works, such as The Wisdom of Laotse or On the Wisdom of America, are more focused on particular subjects. I use them more as reference books.
Indeed, beautiful insight into Lao Zi's inner mind. While I find Edmund Ryden's and DC Lau's versions most apt to the direct Chinese translation, I do like Lin Yu Tang's perspective. 儉故能廣 "Through not doing too much, one has amplitude (of reserve power)"!
There 3 treasures of compassion, frugality, and humility has much to offer as they are overshadowed in our current market-driven society.
I always find Lin's translations elegant and creative, with his sometimes direct yet gentle humor. I guess it is because he was also such a great literary writer.
I like this chapter a lot, as it summarizes the essence of Laozi's life principles, although he has many other gems. I also appreciate him doing this for his political philosophy in Ch. 57 and his understanding of the Tao in Ch. 25, succinct but directly presenting his thoughts.
I will definitely check out more of Lin Yutang’s work. Thanks for also sharing the other chapters. Bookmarking a number of your posts, including this one, for revisiting. :)
I have a few copies of his works, very worth reading!
I definitely need to organize the chapters and make them easily accessible!
Good to know! Would you recommend 'The Importance of Living' or which of his book should a beginner first tackle?
I started with his biographical works, The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo and Lady Wu.
But The Importance of Living might be a better start. It's composed of theme-based essays and an easy read. If you are interested in the Chinese way of life or traditional China (based on Lin's observations before 1949), I would definitely suggest My Country and My People. It is masterfully and beautifully written and describes a China we can never return to.
Also, Moment in Peking is a must-read literary work from him.
His other works, such as The Wisdom of Laotse or On the Wisdom of America, are more focused on particular subjects. I use them more as reference books.
I just got a Kindle version of ‘My Country and My People’. Will start from here. Thanks again for your recommendations.
Wow thanks so much! I appreciate it and will definitely check them out.