Rén: The Ancient Chinese Art of Finding Peace and Fulfilment

by Yen Ooi

A beautiful book explaining and exploring the Ancient Chinese philosophy of Rén and its positive message of compassion and kindness. The Chinese character for Rén combines the word for 'person' and the number 'two', representing human connection. And in the teachings of ancient philosopher Confucius, Rén is the study of our relationship with those around us. In this accessible and beautiful book, Yen Ooi explains the various facets of Rén and explores how this philosophy applies to everything from our relationship with ourselves and the people in our lives, to how we relate to society and the wider world. She shows us how, using the basic principles of Rén and through simple changes to our lives, we can connect better with friends, family and colleagues, become helpful members of society and find fulfilment in ideas of community, justice, morality and compassion. And, ultimately, how to become happier human beings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

190 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2022

About the author

Trying to understand humanity, one story at a time.

Reviews

[Cíntia Nagaoka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light and superficial, but it helps calm you down in moments of anxiety.

[Lim Xin Tian Charmaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confucian philosophy is organised into five virtues, and this book focuses on the 仁 (humanity) aspect. Wish there was more analysis of Confucianism but this just felt very disconnected from the original text the book is based on.

Found it hard to appreciate this, since books in the self-help genre tend to blend together because all the suggestions and practices for self-awareness are so similar.

Personally didn't agree with some of her hot takes on things like cancel culture/ obedience/ hierarchy/ etc, and apart from that, the writing was lacklustre (please I need some variance in sentence structure). Wouldn't consider this a good introduction to inner development, and I don't think that this is worth reading for people who are already exploring inner work.

[chippyvale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good for people who are new to Confucius but take note that this book only discusses one aspect of Confucianism - Ren.

It's a very light-hearted and basic approach; think of this book as a bowl of warm soup to keep you warm on a stormy rainy night.

Similar to what other reviewers had pointed out, I don't agree with some aspects of the content. One being one needs to put others first before him/herself based on Confucius' teachings - that I disagree because I believe that one needs to put himself/herself first before others. It's like that saying - get your house in order first before helping others.

(I'm having brain fog ^ so the above paragraph simply glosses over the book).

Stunning cover though.

[Vilia Ciputra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for people who just start to learn about basic and general traditional Eastern culture especially one that based on Confucianism. Do note that this book only focuses on one (Ren) aspect of the confucianism. However, I won't suggest this book for those who have familiar with Chinese culture, especially those who have been doing some inner and deep searching about the topic. I personally don't agree and not comfortable with how the writer take position on few points on the books, but that would be personal values. Overall, it is a good simple book for a basic and general traditional Eastern values.

[Jimmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book on Confucius' philosophy and found the premise of finding peace and fulfillment through ancient Chinese wisdom intriguing. Although this book looks absolutely stunning, I was left disappointed by the first part of this book. It seemed too light and basic, even for a newbie on this topic like me.

Parts 2-4 turned out to be rather nice and thoroughly thought through. I enjoyed reading them and they made me think about myself a lot, in a good way. In the end, I did enjoy reading it but wished it had been more in-depth, also including parts 2-4.

[Abby Facey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my perspective on so many things. Quite literally taking the most simple concepts and techniques and opening my eyes. I don’t know how or why I saw this so grey before when it really is just black and white. Will be re-reading at some point, because my rén journey really is everlasting!!

[David Nash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generic nothing new

[William Bookman III · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keeper. Light wisdom for heavy dark times.

[Hannah Mosley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, light read.

[Corinne G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tough to get through because every analysis of the teachings felt like basic common sense. This would be better as a book to just pick up every once in a while when you need to calm down.

[z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calming! Will apply this to my life