The Importance of Living (1937) was written by Lin Yutang (1895 – 1976); a Harvard scholar, Taoist, Teacher, revolutionary Chinese Journalist, and New York Times bestseller.

I often peruse the table of contents of The Importance of Living and sample whatever seems interesting (e.g.: The Monkey Epic, The Chinese Theory of Leisure, The Epigrams of Chang Ch’ao …): the reading experience thereby echoes the ambling philosophy espoused within the book.

Lin Yutang idealizes the scamp; the affable loafer who meanders through life; learning, living, and loving. His gift to humanity (among others) is this classic manuscript with an ineffable, antique quality.

Highly recommended