The Art of Life

Author: Lin Yutang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: This book is a personal confession, acknowledging my own thoughts and experiences gained from life. I do not wish to express objective opinions or establish immortal truths. I have always despised self-proclaimed objective philosophy; I simply want to present my personal perspectives. I originally intended to title this book "Lyrical Philosophy," using the term "lyrical" to indicate that it contains personal ideas. However, this title seemed too beautiful, and I dared not use it. I feared setting the bar too high, making it difficult to meet readers' expectations. Moreover, my main purpose is to write realistic prose. Therefore, the current title is easier to maintain in quality and feels more natural.
Let me be friends with the grass and trees, and embrace the soil closely, and I shall feel content. My soul moves comfortably in the earth, and I find great joy. When a person is leisurely and immersed in the land, his mind seems so light, as if he were in heaven. In fact, how much has his six-foot body ever been separated from the soil?