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rmarcin's review
4.0
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.
mathering's review
5.0
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.
th40eo's review
5.0
In this outstanding, user-friendly guide for Westerners, Daoism teaches us, utilizing gentleness, compassion and humour, that we can live a life of serenity, providing the ego remains in check. 'The Power of Dao" A Timeless Gude to Happiness and Harmony by Lou Marinoff, differs greatly from any self-help guides you may have picked up previously.
Readers are apprised of how Daoism/Taoism can be applied to numerous aspects of one's life, taking us by the hand and explaining how suffering can be circumvented. The book contains many quotes that resonated with me but one in particular that stood out was: "Although we humans have the power to procreate life, we do not have the power to create it. Lao Tzu says: that we should not arrogate to ourselves, the authority to destroy life either."
This wonderful book provides a powerhouse of knowledge in an easy-to-read, condensed format that will both inspire and motivate you to realign your life towards a more harmonious and gentler, anxiety-free existence.
Lou Marinoff explores the philosophy behind Daoism/Taoism and does an exemplary job, using age-old wisdom to guide us as we manouvre our way through lifes pitfalls.
A highly recommended read for those of us seeking a more harmonious and joyful existence and for all lovers of philosophy.and ancient wisdom.
Readers are apprised of how Daoism/Taoism can be applied to numerous aspects of one's life, taking us by the hand and explaining how suffering can be circumvented. The book contains many quotes that resonated with me but one in particular that stood out was: "Although we humans have the power to procreate life, we do not have the power to create it. Lao Tzu says: that we should not arrogate to ourselves, the authority to destroy life either."
This wonderful book provides a powerhouse of knowledge in an easy-to-read, condensed format that will both inspire and motivate you to realign your life towards a more harmonious and gentler, anxiety-free existence.
Lou Marinoff explores the philosophy behind Daoism/Taoism and does an exemplary job, using age-old wisdom to guide us as we manouvre our way through lifes pitfalls.
A highly recommended read for those of us seeking a more harmonious and joyful existence and for all lovers of philosophy.and ancient wisdom.
lusa04968's review
hopeful
reflective
4.0
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!
derrinz's review
5.0
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.
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.
roman_'s review
4.0
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.
booklookerr's review
5.0
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.
geezza's review
4.0
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!
srodek's review
slow-paced
5.0
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.