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The Power of Dao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony
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For over 2,500 years, Lao Tzu's philosophy of Dao has helped hundreds of millions of people to attain equanimity and sustain serenity. In The Power of Dao, Lou Marinoff shows how Dao, or "the Way," can serve as a potent remedy to the stress, anxiety, and daily challenges of living in our wildly unpredictable and constantly changing world. The Power of Dao illuminates the central teachings of Lao Tzu, applying them to everyday matters facing us all in the areas of health and well-being, love and marriage, creativity and career, personal achievement and purpose. Every chapter is replete with illustrative case studies, revealing how emperors, artists, athletes, and ordinary citizens alike have accessed the power of Dao. Daoist wisdom can restore balance in precarious human relationships, promote calm when coping with illness and mortality, and empower us to be better citizens and wiser leaders. Harmonizing nature and nurture, Dao teaches us to attain our true potential, and avoid envy, greed, and anger. Beyond transforming individual lives, Dao holds out the promise of a new golden age of prosperity, peace, and cultural advancement. Americans among other Westerners have sustained growing mainstream fascination with Dao (and its sister philosophy, Buddhism) for several decades, embracing the Way not only for its inherent beauty and power, but also as a spiritual remedy for culturally-induced epidemics that are sweeping Western and Westernized cultures. Increasingly today, Westerners are turning to holistic practices that originated in China as outgrowths of Daoism: qigong, tai chi, meditation, feng shui, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, among others. The Power of Dao is a quintessential guide to personal happiness, social harmony, economic prosperity, and political balance.
As enthusiastic endorsers and Amazon reviewers attest, The Power of Dao is a refreshing and timely book, written for a mainstream American audience by an ideal author and respected teacher. True to the book’s subtitle—A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony—it’s an inexhaustible treasure of Daoist wisdom for every conceivable challenge and tribulation of daily life.
Lou Marinoff is Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies at The City College of New York. He has taught Chinese Philosophy there since 1994, to CCNY students hailing from more than one hundred and fifty countries. His clarity, humor, and passion have engendered
popular acclaim in America’s largest urban university.
Dr. Lou is also an internationally bestselling author and philosophical counselor, applying Western and Asian philosophy to everyday life for private clients and public audiences worldwide. Faculty to Horasis among other global communities, he meets regularly with
Chinese business leaders, civil servants, social entrepreneurs, and artists.
Well- known in East Asia, Dr. Lou’s works have led to book and lecture tours in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. University students from South Korea and philosophy professors from China nowadays journey to City College, funded by their governments, to study with him.
As a young man in Canada, Dr. Lou learned Kung Fu and Chinese medicine for eleven years with revered Grandmaster Sing Ming Li, attaining the rank of seventh degree black belt. More recently, Dr.
For over 2,500 years, Lao Tzu's philosophy of Dao has helped hundreds of millions of people to attain equanimity and sustain serenity. In The Power of Dao, Lou Marinoff shows how Dao, or "the Way," can serve as a potent remedy to the stress, anxiety, and daily challenges of living in our wildly unpredictable and constantly changing world. The Power of Dao illuminates the central teachings of Lao Tzu, applying them to everyday matters facing us all in the areas of health and well-being, love and marriage, creativity and career, personal achievement and purpose. Every chapter is replete with illustrative case studies, revealing how emperors, artists, athletes, and ordinary citizens alike have accessed the power of Dao. Daoist wisdom can restore balance in precarious human relationships, promote calm when coping with illness and mortality, and empower us to be better citizens and wiser leaders. Harmonizing nature and nurture, Dao teaches us to attain our true potential, and avoid envy, greed, and anger. Beyond transforming individual lives, Dao holds out the promise of a new golden age of prosperity, peace, and cultural advancement. Americans among other Westerners have sustained growing mainstream fascination with Dao (and its sister philosophy, Buddhism) for several decades, embracing the Way not only for its inherent beauty and power, but also as a spiritual remedy for culturally-induced epidemics that are sweeping Western and Westernized cultures. Increasingly today, Westerners are turning to holistic practices that originated in China as outgrowths of Daoism: qigong, tai chi, meditation, feng shui, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, among others. The Power of Dao is a quintessential guide to personal happiness, social harmony, economic prosperity, and political balance.
As enthusiastic endorsers and Amazon reviewers attest, The Power of Dao is a refreshing and timely book, written for a mainstream American audience by an ideal author and respected teacher. True to the book’s subtitle—A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony—it’s an inexhaustible treasure of Daoist wisdom for every conceivable challenge and tribulation of daily life.
Lou Marinoff is Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies at The City College of New York. He has taught Chinese Philosophy there since 1994, to CCNY students hailing from more than one hundred and fifty countries. His clarity, humor, and passion have engendered
popular acclaim in America’s largest urban university.
Dr. Lou is also an internationally bestselling author and philosophical counselor, applying Western and Asian philosophy to everyday life for private clients and public audiences worldwide. Faculty to Horasis among other global communities, he meets regularly with
Chinese business leaders, civil servants, social entrepreneurs, and artists.
Well- known in East Asia, Dr. Lou’s works have led to book and lecture tours in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. University students from South Korea and philosophy professors from China nowadays journey to City College, funded by their governments, to study with him.
As a young man in Canada, Dr. Lou learned Kung Fu and Chinese medicine for eleven years with revered Grandmaster Sing Ming Li, attaining the rank of seventh degree black belt. More recently, Dr.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2011
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About the author
Lou Marinoff
29 books470 followersLou Marinoff is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, founding President of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA), and an internationally bestselling author.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The author gives out many practical applications of Tao to real life, as well as a good foundation into Tao itself. I would say that this is a very good book for beginners wanting to learn about Tao and how they can apply this to their lives.
However, I did have a issue with one thing that the author said. He talked about familial connections and how in China and Japan, the family unit is valued above the self and how this leads to a lasting in both cultures and how this has made them strong. While it is true that China and Japan are strong countries in the 21st century, the same can not be said about the past, where both countries have been weaker than the United States, or other countries, at various points in history.
Also, while caring for familial harmony and all that is an idea I can support, the author seems to have forgotten that the Confucian ideal of family has led to much personal unhappiness and strife, as children were expected to obey even abusive or tyrannical parents, or obey their parents when mates were chosen for them, however unsuitable these mates were, not to mention that more filial obedience was expected of daughters than sons (not that this is unique to Asian culture, though)
Mind you, I enjoyed this book overall, and would still recommend it as a good starting point for learning Tao, as well as applying it to your life. I myself learned a lot from this book, so I would still give it 4.5/5 stars.
However, I did have a issue with one thing that the author said. He talked about familial connections and how in China and Japan, the family unit is valued above the self and how this leads to a lasting in both cultures and how this has made them strong. While it is true that China and Japan are strong countries in the 21st century, the same can not be said about the past, where both countries have been weaker than the United States, or other countries, at various points in history.
Also, while caring for familial harmony and all that is an idea I can support, the author seems to have forgotten that the Confucian ideal of family has led to much personal unhappiness and strife, as children were expected to obey even abusive or tyrannical parents, or obey their parents when mates were chosen for them, however unsuitable these mates were, not to mention that more filial obedience was expected of daughters than sons (not that this is unique to Asian culture, though)
Mind you, I enjoyed this book overall, and would still recommend it as a good starting point for learning Tao, as well as applying it to your life. I myself learned a lot from this book, so I would still give it 4.5/5 stars.
December 28, 2018
I bought this book almost a year ago. I did start to read it but somehow I’ve stopped reading it. I have found and started to read from the first page during the holidays and it was truly a surprise... I read again hours and hours, which didn’t happen a long time ago. I will definitely read more books about Tao, so it was lucky to find the list made by the author at the end of the book. Probably it wasn’t the best about Tao but it has absolutely awoken my interest. I think that was the main purpose of the author.
I really liked that he was writing not just about Tao but also his belief and other great people’s visions about “how to live a meaningful and true life”, which were very inspiring and engaging.
I really liked that he was writing not just about Tao but also his belief and other great people’s visions about “how to live a meaningful and true life”, which were very inspiring and engaging.
December 20, 2014
I have read a number of different translations of Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching.” I think it is a timeless book of wisdom, and I’ve enjoyed thinking about how the verses apply to my life today. However, sometimes it is nice to read or hear different views on how to apply the Tao, or Way. That is where books such as “The Power of Tao: A Timeless Guide To Happiness and Harmony” by Lou Marinoff come in. This is an exceptional guide to the wisdom of Lao Tzu and how it applies today, just as it always had. It really is timeless wisdom.
Marinoff presents lessons from Lao Tzu in an enlightening and engaging manner that not only teaches but inspires. What is presented here is a philosophy for living, for overcoming life’s challenges, and for being happy in a world that is not always the world of harmony we wish it would be.
Many philosophers write in the abstract, leaving the reader to ponder the application of the words upon the page. Marinoff actually brings this philosophy to life by illustrating its relevance to our modern world. He shares current examples of Taoist theory and its practical implementation to living today. These examples illuminate the importance and practicality of this ancient Chinese philosophy more clearly in layman’s language than I have ever read before.
I also like how the author relates “The Tao” to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Stoicism, philosophies I’ve also studied. Reading the book really makes one think about priorities of life and how one can contribute to civilization and the world. This is an outstanding read for all those interested in philosophy, and especially those who want to learn and apply the lessons from the Tao Te Ching to their lives. Highly recommended.
Marinoff presents lessons from Lao Tzu in an enlightening and engaging manner that not only teaches but inspires. What is presented here is a philosophy for living, for overcoming life’s challenges, and for being happy in a world that is not always the world of harmony we wish it would be.
Many philosophers write in the abstract, leaving the reader to ponder the application of the words upon the page. Marinoff actually brings this philosophy to life by illustrating its relevance to our modern world. He shares current examples of Taoist theory and its practical implementation to living today. These examples illuminate the importance and practicality of this ancient Chinese philosophy more clearly in layman’s language than I have ever read before.
I also like how the author relates “The Tao” to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Stoicism, philosophies I’ve also studied. Reading the book really makes one think about priorities of life and how one can contribute to civilization and the world. This is an outstanding read for all those interested in philosophy, and especially those who want to learn and apply the lessons from the Tao Te Ching to their lives. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2023
This literary piece serves as a compass guiding us on the quest for joy. It enlightens readers on the pursuit of inner peace and navigating life's varied situations. The writer effectively revives Lao Tzu's age-old wisdom, making it relevant and applicable to contemporary scenarios. A significant insight offered is the distinction between physical discomfort and psychological distress, emphasizing that an imbalanced life is often the root of our mental anguish. The manuscript advocates for equilibrium as the foundation for a tranquil and fulfilling existence, highlighting the pitfalls of overindulgence and excessiveness leading to dissatisfaction and vexation. The essentials for maintaining equilibrium are encapsulated in tranquility, moderation, and contemplation. The essence of Tao is intrinsic, and its realization is not contingent on external entities. Contrasting Buddhists' aim to mitigate distress, Taoists strive to maintain individual balance, thereby preempting and circumventing suffering. The text meticulously guides the reader in applying Tao in every facet of life, elucidating the true concept of soul mates by encompassing all four dimensions of love as defined by ancient Greeks. This book stands as a monumental guide, offering one of the most essential blueprints for achieving a harmonious and joyful life. It earns a spot on my list of top recommendations.
October 22, 2023
La Philosophia Para La Vida Cotidiana
Late in his new book, "The Power of Tao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony", Lou Marinoff summarizes what the book aims to provide the reader. He denies that his book fits into the popular genre of a "self-help" book. He claims instead to provide what Spanish-speaking countries call by the title of this review which translates as "a philosophy for everyday life." At times, Marinoff comes uncomfortably close to writing a "self-help" book, but on the whole his characterization of his project is accurate for this work which brings the insights of the Tao to bear on many issues in modern life.
This is the first book by Marinoff, a Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, that I have read, but I learned of his work through Carlin Romano's recent study of American intellectual life, "America the Philosophical" (2012) which explores the breadth of the life of the mind in the United States and aims to dispute the notion that the United States is an intellectual wasteland. Romano begins the first part of his book with a discussion of Marinoff and the "philosophical counseling" movement he has pioneered in the United States. Early in the 1990s, after discussion with other scholars, Marinoff began to apply the insights of the great philosophers to problems faced by individuals in everyday life. He developed a discipline called "philosophical counseling" where philosophers see people and offer philosophical insights into matters which bother them. He founded an organization called "The American Philosophical Practitioners Association" which met with a mixed response at best from psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and from other philosophers as well. Nevertheless, the organization has grown. While not denigrating either psychotherapy or religion for that matter as ways of approaching issues, Marinoff believes that many people can benefit from looking into themselves and their thoughts rather than seeing their problem as having the source either in the past or in the future.
"The Power of Tao" is Marinoff's latest book putting his philosophical counseling into practice. The book is based primarily on the work of the enigmatic ancient Chinese sage known as Lao-Tzu and his short book of 81 verses, the Tao Te Ching. Marinoff sees the Tao as one of the masterworks of the "Axial Age" of human thought in the sixth century B.C. which also produced Pythagoreanism and Buddhism, among much else. "Everything we need to know about happiness and fulfillment, peace and prosperity, love and family, creativity and art, good governance and sustainable civilization, can be learned from the Axial Age", Marinoff writes.
The book begins with a short dialogue between a "seeker" and a "guide". The seeker is looking for fulfillment and happiness in life. The guide states at the outset that there are several paths, including the path the seeker is following, but that he wants to focus on the "Tao" or "way" which cannot be readily defined or summarized. The remainder of the book, leading to a short concluding dialogue between the seeker and the guide is a discussion of the Tao and its power.
The book becomes more specific in focus as it proceeds. The early chapters place the Tao in the context of Chinese philosophy, with comparisons to Confucianism and Buddhism. Marinoff also describes and develops what he calls the three foundations of the Tao: complementarity (ying and yang), harmony, and change. He discusses the need of forgetting one's ego and getting to one's center instead and to see oneself as what the Tao describes as an "Uncarved Block". Marinoff's discussions are short and difficult. As he points out, the teachings require sustained development and reflection.
In the various chapters of his book, Marinoff applies the principles of the Tao to specific situations. Each chapter begins with a quotation from verses of the Tao Te Ching. Marinoff generally offers a brief introductory commentary on the verses and then proceeds to discuss a broad range of issues including, for example, handling stress, career and work issues, love and sexuality, marriage and the family, morality, facing death, living in harmony with nature and more. He offers frequent examples taken from his philosophical counseling practice or from other sources. He offers historical approaches to the particular issue as well and he draws frequently from the work of other thinkers and people he admires such as the Buddha, the Stoics, Emerson and Thoreau, Martin Luther King, Jr. Freud, and Glenn Gould. The discussion tends to be wide-ranging, and at times the author's voice turns overly polemical or evangelical. Some of the discussions have a specificity several levels removed from the elusively broad insights of the Tao. Many readers will tend to find them mixed. For example, I found Marinoff highly insightful and provocative in his criticisms of American feminism and of current political correctness in the universities and elsewhere. I found him less persuasive in his nostalgia for the hippie movement of the late 1960s and for his overly-broad strictures against modern urban life. The wiser portions of the book suggest that each individual finds his or her own path on the way largely through reflection and looking within. The book moves too easily towards dogmatism in some cases. When it does so, it becomes more a work of simplistic "self-help" rather than a philosophy for daily life.
I learned from Marinoff's discussion of the Tao and from his approach to philosophical counseling. "The Power of the Tao" offers a good introduction to the Tao and to Eastern philosophy. The book aims to be transformative and to encourage the reader to think and develop its insights further in the context of his or her own life. The publisher kindly provided me with a review copy of Marinoff's book.
Robin Friedman
Late in his new book, "The Power of Tao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony", Lou Marinoff summarizes what the book aims to provide the reader. He denies that his book fits into the popular genre of a "self-help" book. He claims instead to provide what Spanish-speaking countries call by the title of this review which translates as "a philosophy for everyday life." At times, Marinoff comes uncomfortably close to writing a "self-help" book, but on the whole his characterization of his project is accurate for this work which brings the insights of the Tao to bear on many issues in modern life.
This is the first book by Marinoff, a Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, that I have read, but I learned of his work through Carlin Romano's recent study of American intellectual life, "America the Philosophical" (2012) which explores the breadth of the life of the mind in the United States and aims to dispute the notion that the United States is an intellectual wasteland. Romano begins the first part of his book with a discussion of Marinoff and the "philosophical counseling" movement he has pioneered in the United States. Early in the 1990s, after discussion with other scholars, Marinoff began to apply the insights of the great philosophers to problems faced by individuals in everyday life. He developed a discipline called "philosophical counseling" where philosophers see people and offer philosophical insights into matters which bother them. He founded an organization called "The American Philosophical Practitioners Association" which met with a mixed response at best from psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and from other philosophers as well. Nevertheless, the organization has grown. While not denigrating either psychotherapy or religion for that matter as ways of approaching issues, Marinoff believes that many people can benefit from looking into themselves and their thoughts rather than seeing their problem as having the source either in the past or in the future.
"The Power of Tao" is Marinoff's latest book putting his philosophical counseling into practice. The book is based primarily on the work of the enigmatic ancient Chinese sage known as Lao-Tzu and his short book of 81 verses, the Tao Te Ching. Marinoff sees the Tao as one of the masterworks of the "Axial Age" of human thought in the sixth century B.C. which also produced Pythagoreanism and Buddhism, among much else. "Everything we need to know about happiness and fulfillment, peace and prosperity, love and family, creativity and art, good governance and sustainable civilization, can be learned from the Axial Age", Marinoff writes.
The book begins with a short dialogue between a "seeker" and a "guide". The seeker is looking for fulfillment and happiness in life. The guide states at the outset that there are several paths, including the path the seeker is following, but that he wants to focus on the "Tao" or "way" which cannot be readily defined or summarized. The remainder of the book, leading to a short concluding dialogue between the seeker and the guide is a discussion of the Tao and its power.
The book becomes more specific in focus as it proceeds. The early chapters place the Tao in the context of Chinese philosophy, with comparisons to Confucianism and Buddhism. Marinoff also describes and develops what he calls the three foundations of the Tao: complementarity (ying and yang), harmony, and change. He discusses the need of forgetting one's ego and getting to one's center instead and to see oneself as what the Tao describes as an "Uncarved Block". Marinoff's discussions are short and difficult. As he points out, the teachings require sustained development and reflection.
In the various chapters of his book, Marinoff applies the principles of the Tao to specific situations. Each chapter begins with a quotation from verses of the Tao Te Ching. Marinoff generally offers a brief introductory commentary on the verses and then proceeds to discuss a broad range of issues including, for example, handling stress, career and work issues, love and sexuality, marriage and the family, morality, facing death, living in harmony with nature and more. He offers frequent examples taken from his philosophical counseling practice or from other sources. He offers historical approaches to the particular issue as well and he draws frequently from the work of other thinkers and people he admires such as the Buddha, the Stoics, Emerson and Thoreau, Martin Luther King, Jr. Freud, and Glenn Gould. The discussion tends to be wide-ranging, and at times the author's voice turns overly polemical or evangelical. Some of the discussions have a specificity several levels removed from the elusively broad insights of the Tao. Many readers will tend to find them mixed. For example, I found Marinoff highly insightful and provocative in his criticisms of American feminism and of current political correctness in the universities and elsewhere. I found him less persuasive in his nostalgia for the hippie movement of the late 1960s and for his overly-broad strictures against modern urban life. The wiser portions of the book suggest that each individual finds his or her own path on the way largely through reflection and looking within. The book moves too easily towards dogmatism in some cases. When it does so, it becomes more a work of simplistic "self-help" rather than a philosophy for daily life.
I learned from Marinoff's discussion of the Tao and from his approach to philosophical counseling. "The Power of the Tao" offers a good introduction to the Tao and to Eastern philosophy. The book aims to be transformative and to encourage the reader to think and develop its insights further in the context of his or her own life. The publisher kindly provided me with a review copy of Marinoff's book.
Robin Friedman
October 18, 2023
Title: Sailing the Ancient Dao in a Modern Vessel
The book felt like a bridge, between the past and the present, the East and the West, the ancient and the modern. It's like Marinoff has extended an invitation to explore the timeless wisdom of Dao, only the invitation comes with a contemporary touch.
The book delves into how Dao, or "the Way," can be the antidote to the modern-day pandemonium that encircles our lives. It's fascinating how a philosophy that's over 2,500 years old still holds a candle to the whirlwind of modern existence.
Marinoff's recount encourages introspection and a reevaluation of one's life direction. The ancient principles, as discussed in the book, nudge one towards a deep reawakening.
"The Power of Dao" was a contemplative read, offering a modern take on ancient wisdom. This book didn't just offer a read; it offered a quiet reflection, and communication between the then and now, and between the chaos and the calm and it’s a book i will refer back to on many occasions. Recommended.
The book felt like a bridge, between the past and the present, the East and the West, the ancient and the modern. It's like Marinoff has extended an invitation to explore the timeless wisdom of Dao, only the invitation comes with a contemporary touch.
The book delves into how Dao, or "the Way," can be the antidote to the modern-day pandemonium that encircles our lives. It's fascinating how a philosophy that's over 2,500 years old still holds a candle to the whirlwind of modern existence.
Marinoff's recount encourages introspection and a reevaluation of one's life direction. The ancient principles, as discussed in the book, nudge one towards a deep reawakening.
"The Power of Dao" was a contemplative read, offering a modern take on ancient wisdom. This book didn't just offer a read; it offered a quiet reflection, and communication between the then and now, and between the chaos and the calm and it’s a book i will refer back to on many occasions. Recommended.
September 28, 2023
The Power of Dao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony by Lou Marinoff is a well-written and powerful book. This thought-provoking book encourages introspection and inspires a reevaluation of one's life direction. Focused on Lao Tzu's wisdom, its previously unknown lessons provide a valuable viewpoint, perhaps directing one to a deep reawakening. Surprisingly, these old principles are still relevant today, enhancing the book's effect. This book provides useful ideas and practical tools for reaching that elusive equilibrium we are all seeking. Although the route may be difficult, the benefits it offers are undeniably worthwhile. Highly recommend for a great read and one that could possibly change your life.
November 26, 2020
Aplica el taoísmo a la vida cotidiana de forma torpe. Creo que ver el taoísmo solo como herramienta es de idiotas.
November 25, 2023
I go through phases where I read many self-help books (or self-realization philosophy books, as this one is). Often, it’s just a way for me to refocus or look at other perspectives or various aspects of my life. This book is a different, however. It doesn’t require consistent journaling or data logging. It’s one of the few books focusing on finding harmony instead of trends or outside faith (like a god). It may sound cheesy, but it is a philosophy that focuses on inner peace and how Dao can be applied to various aspects of your life rather than how you can tweak your life to improve it. It focuses on the foundation, which is nice.
I didn’t know much, or anything, about Taoism/Daoism before reading this, and it’s incredibly intriguing. Chapter 11, on discovering value, is my favorite chapter, highlighting what is valuable to you. “Anxiety is too often the price of security” is a huge quote I’ll likely carry with me for the rest of my life.
The teachings of Dao aren’t new, and Marinoff isn’t inventing the wheel here, but he is showing us how to put the wheel on a vehicle so we can get going on Life’s Highway. It’s a good and thorough review of how Dao can upgrade your life. I recommend this book, it’s a great find!
I didn’t know much, or anything, about Taoism/Daoism before reading this, and it’s incredibly intriguing. Chapter 11, on discovering value, is my favorite chapter, highlighting what is valuable to you. “Anxiety is too often the price of security” is a huge quote I’ll likely carry with me for the rest of my life.
The teachings of Dao aren’t new, and Marinoff isn’t inventing the wheel here, but he is showing us how to put the wheel on a vehicle so we can get going on Life’s Highway. It’s a good and thorough review of how Dao can upgrade your life. I recommend this book, it’s a great find!
January 2, 2024
The Power of Dao is a thought provoking and powerful book that helps the reader learn practical ways to work towards living a happy and harmonious life. Lao Tzu’s philosophy of Dao has helped millions of people for years and years. Following Dao principles can help reduce stress, anxiety, and everyday challenges. Dao can include things such as Tai Chi, feng shui, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. The author explains the background and foundation of Dao and talks about the importance of health. The author states how Daoist make health a priority and do not take it for granted and suggests the Western society follows suite. I love how the author tackled difficult topics such as simplicity, money doesn’t buy happiness, health issues such as obesity, and more. According to Lao Tzu the primary cause of unhappiness is false conception of self and explains a new way of thinking. I found the case studies to be very helpful in getting a better understanding and really appreciate the author including them. I definitely want to keep this book close by to read over again because there is so much practical information and tips to help live a happier and more harmonious life.
November 6, 2023
Reading "The Power of Dao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony" by Lou Marinoff is like taking a scenic road trip back in time, but with a modern-day GPS named Lou, who’s got an easy-going way of decoding ancient signboards named Dao. The scenery? Timeless vistas of wisdom with occasional pit stops for modern-day reflections.
Marinoff’s narrative is like a friendly chat over a cup of warm oolong tea, where he casually delves into Lao Tzu’s profound nuggets of wisdom, making them feel like comfy old friends rather than intimidating ancient philosophies. The book’s essence is to apply the age-old Dao’s serenity to today’s fast-paced, anxiety-riddled life, offering a soft cushion of understanding amidst the hard chairs of daily challenges.
The writing flows like a calm river, yet has the ability to create ripples in the reader’s mind, encouraging a soft gaze inward and a gentle nudge to realign life’s compass towards a harmonious horizon. It’s like Marinoff is offering a cozy blanket of ancient wisdom to shield us from the modern-day chaos, only the blanket is woven with threads of contemporary understanding, making it a comfy fit for anyone.
Marinoff’s narrative is like a friendly chat over a cup of warm oolong tea, where he casually delves into Lao Tzu’s profound nuggets of wisdom, making them feel like comfy old friends rather than intimidating ancient philosophies. The book’s essence is to apply the age-old Dao’s serenity to today’s fast-paced, anxiety-riddled life, offering a soft cushion of understanding amidst the hard chairs of daily challenges.
The writing flows like a calm river, yet has the ability to create ripples in the reader’s mind, encouraging a soft gaze inward and a gentle nudge to realign life’s compass towards a harmonious horizon. It’s like Marinoff is offering a cozy blanket of ancient wisdom to shield us from the modern-day chaos, only the blanket is woven with threads of contemporary understanding, making it a comfy fit for anyone.
September 25, 2023
The Power of Dao: A Timeless Guide to Happiness and Harmony by Lou Marinoff is a well-written and powerful book. This thought-provoking book encourages introspection and inspires a reevaluation of one's life direction. Focused on Lao Tzu's wisdom, its previously unknown lessons provide a valuable viewpoint, perhaps directing one to a deep reawakening. Surprisingly, these old principles are still relevant today, enhancing the book's effect. This book provides useful ideas and practical tools for reaching that elusive equilibrium we are all seeking. Although the route may be difficult, the benefits it offers are undeniably worthwhile. Highly recommend it for a great read and one that could possibly change your life.
September 28, 2023
I picked this book up because I was admittedly curious - chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve at least heard about Lao Tzu, and his philosophy. I wouldn’t say this is a beginners guide to it - although it does discuss the philosophy, and it’s history a bit, as well as comparing it to other philosophies. That said, I think reading Lao Tzu first and then diving into this book as a follow-up would be a good approach. Although this toes the line between self-help and philosophy book, I would say that parts of this lean more one way or the other. Overall, I enjoyed reading this, and getting to explore Marinoff’s take on Dao, and how he recommends applying it to life. Great for philosophy lovers!
December 21, 2023
This book is a philosopher's depiction of the teachings of Dao.
I was OK reading his descriptions and explanations of how to be happy, and how to accept things, or to make things positive, or how to achieve your dreams and not let someone take them from you. However, there were a few areas where I vehemently disagreed with the author. 1. Where he states that women are biologically manufactured to find an attractive mate so they can procreate (as if the only reason a woman exists is to make babies), and 2. This line: In the U.S., the feminist-dominated higher education system and radical left-wing media have brainwashed women, making them believe that their true happiness lies in adopting the lifestyles of men. Give me a break. His political bias was on display here.
I was OK reading his descriptions and explanations of how to be happy, and how to accept things, or to make things positive, or how to achieve your dreams and not let someone take them from you. However, there were a few areas where I vehemently disagreed with the author. 1. Where he states that women are biologically manufactured to find an attractive mate so they can procreate (as if the only reason a woman exists is to make babies), and 2. This line: In the U.S., the feminist-dominated higher education system and radical left-wing media have brainwashed women, making them believe that their true happiness lies in adopting the lifestyles of men. Give me a break. His political bias was on display here.
January 14, 2025
Tenía intención de indagar más en el TAO, dado que tenía ya algunas nociones previas de la universidad. Tuve que dejar el libro a la mitad. No solo no aportaba nada, sino que el autor no para de criticar y quejarse de absolutamente todo cada vez que puede, solo para explicar que con el TAO el asunto X tendría solución. Demasiado molesto para seguir leyendo. Ya lo siento por la reseña, pero es la primera vez en mi vida que un libro me pone de mal humor.
September 17, 2020
Inspirador, alentador y motivador son los principales adjetivos de este fantástico trabajo de Lou Marinoff. Los datos, la información, el análisis y las reflexiones que de forma amena se presentan en el libro, son el kick-off para iniciar el viaje al único lugar donde encontraremos respuestas: nuestro interior.
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May 16, 2023No me gusta la palabra PODER encima de TAO, por eso lo compré, para ver como abstrae un académico occidental gringo al TAO, hasta ahora ha sido muy divertido 😃
August 25, 2023
Lou is a very talented writer in conveying esoteric and difficulty concepts in simple English.
January 14, 2024
I feel like I took nothing away from this book. It also had some crazy takes and the author’s constant snarky comments about Americans rubbed me the wrong way.
May 21, 2020
Los fundamentos del Tao explicados para occidentales: la complementariedad (no hay día sin noche ni orden sin caos), la armonía (que requiere diversidad) y el cambio como la única constante en nuestra vida. Aceptar la realidad como es, no temer el cambio y dejar la obsesión por el control y querer cambiarlo a nuestro antojo, fluir, ignorar el yo. Los artistas dan lo mejor de sí cuando se olvidan de ellos mismos completamente, como cuando un niño juega, viven el presente. Refrena tus deseos, simplifica. El humor contra el estrés.
Lo más impactante para mí de este libro fue (y es algo que me cuesta mucho) es que cuando invocas al eros, te acercas al thanatos. Querer vivir intensamente es morir. Una pareja que equilibra cuerpo, mente, corazón y espíritu dura para siempre. Eso es un alma gemela, pero requiere voluntad y esfuerzo. Doctor Zhivago lo explica bien: primer amante, eros; segundo, filia; tercero y definitivo, filia que da pie al eros pero lo postergan por el storge, quieren curar, no hacer daño. Finalmente, llegan al eros y al ágape: son almas gemelas, preservan el amor para la próxima generación. Sin amor la humanidad no sobreviviría.
Y seguiría pero...contaría el libro entero. Es un modo de vida.
Lo más impactante para mí de este libro fue (y es algo que me cuesta mucho) es que cuando invocas al eros, te acercas al thanatos. Querer vivir intensamente es morir. Una pareja que equilibra cuerpo, mente, corazón y espíritu dura para siempre. Eso es un alma gemela, pero requiere voluntad y esfuerzo. Doctor Zhivago lo explica bien: primer amante, eros; segundo, filia; tercero y definitivo, filia que da pie al eros pero lo postergan por el storge, quieren curar, no hacer daño. Finalmente, llegan al eros y al ágape: son almas gemelas, preservan el amor para la próxima generación. Sin amor la humanidad no sobreviviría.
Y seguiría pero...contaría el libro entero. Es un modo de vida.
June 17, 2024
This book is all about Lao Tzu's wisdom called Dao, which has helped people for a very long time, more than 2,500 years. It tells us how Dao, also known as "the Way," can be a strong guide to finding balance and peace in our busy and always-changing world. It helps us deal with stress, anxiety, and the difficulties of modern life.
The author talks about what Lao Tzu taught and makes it easy to understand for regular people. He covers things like staying healthy, love, work, personal goals, and what gives our life meaning. He uses real stories to explain how even famous people and everyday folks have used Dao's ideas in their lives. It helps us see how these ideas can work for us too.
The book is like a chest full of wise ideas from Daoism that can help with all kinds of problems in our everyday life. Lou Marinoff knows a lot about this stuff, and this book is great to read if you want to find ways to be happy and peaceful, even when life is always changing.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
The author talks about what Lao Tzu taught and makes it easy to understand for regular people. He covers things like staying healthy, love, work, personal goals, and what gives our life meaning. He uses real stories to explain how even famous people and everyday folks have used Dao's ideas in their lives. It helps us see how these ideas can work for us too.
The book is like a chest full of wise ideas from Daoism that can help with all kinds of problems in our everyday life. Lou Marinoff knows a lot about this stuff, and this book is great to read if you want to find ways to be happy and peaceful, even when life is always changing.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
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