Citation

Tao Y. Contemporary Chinese Thought 2015; 46(4): 82-102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015)

DOI

10.1080/10971467.2015.995031

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This text is the partial translation of one of the nine chapters from the self improvement book titled The Art of Being Muddled in Social Conduct and Handling Affairs (Zuoren zuoshi de hutu yishu). This chapter in particular discusses "being muddled" as an efficient, harmony-oriented philosophy of life for navigating more positively through life and for obtaining inner peace of mind. The domains of life covered range from family life to business negotiations, and almost en passant, life issues as serious as suicide. All statements and advice are illustrated with anecdotes, events, and quotes from mostly Chinese but also Japanese and Western philosophy, literature, and history. Sometimes comparisons with phenomena in the natural world are made. The author explains "the art of being/pretending to be muddled" as expressed in virtues such as forgiveness, moderation, deference, tolerance, inner (moral) firmness and external flexibility, and wisdom. Ultimately, feigned muddledness is presented as a modern guide for self-cultivation. Being popular reading, the text lacks scientific rigor: it is a perfect example of the popularization of Zheng Banqiao's calligraphy "It's difficult to be muddled" (Nande hutu) and how it is modeled to the reading pleasure of and usefulness for people from all walks of life. © Copyright Taylor & Francis Group.

Language: en