L’Usage du vide

Too strong a desire to achieve may sap the desired effect simply by virtue of the outcome being pursued. But then, how might one stop acting against one’s best interests? Graziani’s approach puts forward a school of thoughts procreant of fostering optimal states of consciousness. Sinologist and philosopher, he delves into the mechanisms of the will, unlocking breaches towards flow states. ‘Essai sur l’intelligence de l’action, de l’Europe à la Chine’ divests such elusive concepts as excess of wanting, the misfortunes of volition, the harmful effects of overmuch tension in intentionality too strong, unduly cogitation, through the lense of Taoïsm. With a poetic sensitivity and impressive sagacity Romain Graziani debunks the enigma of hapless wilfulness, to beget an aesthetic to live by. Collection Bibliothèque des Idées, Gallimard.