“But life is harsh, and a man with a warm, generous and sentimental nature may be easily taken in by his cleverer fellowman.
The generous in nature often make mistakes by their generosity, by their too generous regard of their enemies and faith in their friends. Sometimes the generous man comes home disillusioned to write a poem of bitterness.”
Yutang prescribes the classic Chinese philosophy of life: Revere inaction as much as action, invoke humor to maintain a healthy attitude, and never forget that there will always be plenty of fools around who are willing-indeed, eager-to be busy, to make themselves useful, and to exercise power while you bask in the simple joy of existence.
Author: Lin Yutang
Title: The Importance of Living
Edition: Twenty-third printing
Published: New York: John Day, 1940
Physical Description: Hardcover; Octavo; 459p
Condition: Good condition dust jacket with chipping, edge wear, and rubbing to surfaces—in new protector. Boards and spine clean with edge wear, bumping to corners, and crushing at spine ends. Binding solid and square. Pages tanned. Mild foxing present.
Comments: Very nice copy
