A Timeless Guide
Lin Yu Tang’s 'The Importance of Living,' first published in 1938, remains a profoundly impactful work for many, including its admirer who frequently revisits
it for solace and perspective. Though perhaps not widely known by every reader, it achieved significant bestseller status upon its release, with numerous reprints underscoring its lasting appeal. For the author, it serves as a consistent source of renewal, offering a path to reestablish mental clarity, practical wisdom, and a sense of mirth when life feels overwhelming. The book distills centuries of Chinese philosophical and traditional thought into a digestible, humane, and witty life philosophy, presented through engaging chapters like 'On Being Human,' 'The Feast of Life,' 'The Enjoyment of Nature,' 'The Enjoyment of Culture,' and even a delightful contemplation on 'The Importance of Loafing.' Lin Yu Tang, a Chinese writer who later resided in America, keenly observed the relentless pace and pervasive focus on material gain, fame, and outward success prevalent in Western society. His work presents a compelling counter-narrative, positing that the ultimate purpose of human existence and spiritual pursuits lies not in relentless striving, but in the capacity to fully savor life's experiences with discernment, enthusiasm, and a healthy detachment, dismissing the rest as ultimately futile.
Challenging Modern Humbugs
Lin Yu Tang critically examines the societal fixation on acquiring fame, wealth, and power, branding them as significant 'humbugs' of life. He notes the pervasive American tendency to consolidate these desires into a singular concept: 'Success.' However, he posits that for many astute individuals, the fervent pursuit of success, recognition, and affluence is merely a superficial manifestation of deeper anxieties regarding potential failure, financial insecurity, and being forgotten. This perspective is illuminated by the story of a great Taoist philosopher who, after holding a prestigious government position, chose to relinquish it for a tranquil life tending his garden. His sentiment, as quoted, reflects a desire to embrace life organically, without the strain of constant striving or the pursuit of unattainable ideals like divine status. The philosopher's choice underscores a fundamental Taoist principle: accepting life's flow and finding contentment in simplicity, rather than being consumed by the relentless chase for external validation and societal accolades, which are ultimately seen as transient and less fulfilling than inner peace and self-acceptance.
The Art of Balance
The essence of an ideal existence, according to Lin Yu Tang, lies in navigating the delicate equilibrium between unchecked ambition and apathetic inaction. This philosophy is beautifully encapsulated by the ancient Chinese thinker Li Mian’s 'The Half and Half Song.' This poem advocates for a life lived in moderation, a blend of urban and rural, intellectual and practical pursuits, social standing and commonality. It suggests maintaining a dwelling that is neither ostentatious nor austere, and enjoying meals that range from refined to simple. The wisdom, as Li Mian describes, is found not in extremes, but in appreciating life's spectrum through a balanced, 'half-and-half' approach. This thoughtful integration of diverse elements fosters a more nuanced and ultimately more fulfilling experience of life. It encourages embracing different facets of existence without being rigidly defined by any single one, leading to a richer understanding and appreciation of the world and one's place within it, promoting a sense of contentment and self-awareness.
Enduring Relationships
Lin Yu Tang also illuminated the profound nature of human connection, particularly the deep bond between spouses, through an ancient Chinese poem. This verse speaks to the intricate emotional tapestry that intertwines two individuals, suggesting that excessive emotion can sometimes lead to discord, a 'commotion.' The poem then beautifully illustrates this bond by describing the act of creating clay effigies of oneself and one's partner, then merging and remaking them. This symbolic act represents the inseparable nature of their relationship, where each partner carries a part of the other. The line, 'And in my clay, there’s a little of you, / And in your clay, there’s a little of me,' powerfully conveys mutual influence and deep empathy. The concluding lines, 'And nothing ever shall us sever; / Lying, we’ll sleep in the same quilt, / And dead, we’ll be buried together,' poetically express an unbreakable connection that transcends life itself, highlighting the enduring strength and unity found in a truly devoted partnership, emphasizing shared destinies and eternal companionship.
Graceful Aging
Another significant theme explored by Lin Yu Tang is the art of aging with grace, a subject he approached with considerable amusement concerning the Western world's often-stated desire to conceal one's age. For Lin, growing older is not a loss to be fought, but a profound blessing. He articulates this perspective with elegant simplicity, stating that true aging cannot be avoided; attempting to deny it is merely self-deception. Since battling against the natural progression of life is futile, he advocates for embracing aging with dignity and peace. He envisions the twilight years of life not as a diminishing end, but as a grand finale, characterized by serenity, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. This contrasts sharply with a premature or ungraceful decline, which he likens to the jarring sound of a broken drum or cracked cymbals. His message is one of acceptance and appreciation for the natural life cycle, finding beauty and wisdom in the passage of time and the culmination of life's experiences, leading to a peaceful and meaningful conclusion.
