Author of the bestselling humorous novel "The Dirty Parts of the Bible," this writer also reimagines classic wisdom texts from philosophers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. His work skillfully blends contemporary humor with profound philosophical reflection, making timeless insights accessible to a modern audience. With a keen ear for current language and a touch of irony, the author breathes new life into ancient wisdom, offering readers a fresh and engaging perspective.
Allen's practical philosophy of successful living has awakened millions to the discovery and perception of the truth that "they themselves are makers of themselves". Building on the Bible verse. "As a man thinketh, so he is", Allen insists that it is within the power of each person to form his own character and create his own happiness. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
This version of the Tao Te Ching, translated by Thomas Cleary, presents the classic text in a unique light, through the eyes of the Zen master Takuan Soho, who lived from 1573 to 1645. Takuan was an acerbic, witty, free spirit who became a seminal figure in Rinzai Zen. He was a painter, poet, author, calligrapher, gardener, and a tea master. He was also a confidante and teacher to shoguns, the famed swordsman Yagyu Munenori, and many other powerful and famous figures, including (according to legend) Miyamoto Musashi. True to the teachings of the Tao Te Ching itself, as well as to the tradition of Zen, Takuan draws from everyday experience and common sense, to reveal the basic sanity of nature and the inherent wholeness of life. Takuan reveals how the Tao Te Ching applies to a wide range of concerns, including health, personal relationships, and individual lifestyle. He interprets the text through a philosophical and psychological lens, and also elucidates its radical social and political concepts.