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The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard

Ollivier Pourriol Helen Stevenson

$24.99

Hardback

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English
Profile
01 December 2020
We've often been told that anything worthwhile can only be achieved through sustained effort, hard work or 10,000 hours of practice. But what if the opposite were true?

The French have known it for centuries. We can see it in their laissez faire parenting, their chic style and their haute cuisine - the French barely seem to be trying, yet the results are world famous.

Here, philosopher Ollivier Pourriol draws lessons from French legends to show that the best results in life come not from working harder but from letting go. From Stendhal's writing technique to Phillipe Petit's grace on the tightrope; from the eloquence of Cyrano de Bergerac to the serenity of Rodin and the simplicity of Descartes, this book shows how the greatest French artists, musicians, writers, thinkers and chefs have perfected the art of making their achievements seem easy. And how we can cultivate such je ne sais quoi in our own lives.

By:  
Translated by:  
Imprint:   Profile
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Edition:   Main
Dimensions:   Height: 200mm,  Width: 132mm,  Spine: 24mm
Weight:   280g
ISBN:   9781788163279
ISBN 10:   1788163273
Pages:   208
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  ELT Advanced ,  Primary
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Ollivier Pourriol is a philosopher, writer and prize-winning novelist, who has been exploring the art of living, ambition and creativity for over twenty years. He has lectured at the Paris Philharmonie, and many cinemas, where his lectures mix philosophy and film. Throughout his work he explores the role of imagination in our lives, and easier ways to reach our goals. He lives in Paris, where he puts his ideas into practice

Reviews for The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard

[An] amusing and interesting read; even Pourriol's description of his approach to the material is a lesson in the laissez-faire outlook. * Booklist *


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