Why is it hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charm
ing and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a comedian whose jokes fall fl
at or an athlete who chokes? In all these cases, spontaneity is elusive. In 'Try
ing Not to Try', Edward Slingerland shows us how we can harness its power and be
come more effective. We've long been told that the way to achieve our goals is t
hrough careful reasoning and conscious effort, but recent research suggests that
many aspects of a satisfying life are best pursued indirectly. Through stories
of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motor
cycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge sc
ience to show us how we can embody a spontaneous way of being and live more fulf
illing lives.
