Lin Yutang: The Importance of Living – and Coming Home to Taiwan – S6-E31
Writer, philosopher, linguist, inventor – Lin Yutang (林語堂) was one of the most famous Chinese intellectuals of the twentieth century, and for decades one of the people most responsible for explaining Chinese culture to English-speaking readers. His My Country and My People introduced millions of Western readers to China, while The Importance of Living preached the virtues of leisure, humor and occasionally doing absolutely nothing. After three decades abroad, the Fujian-born Lin came to Taiwan in 1966. In his final years, living in his beautiful Yangmingshan home overlooking Taipei, he wrote about the small pleasures that made his years in Taiwan among the happiest of his life.
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PocketCasts Key Takeaways
- Lin Yutang was a prominent twentieth-century Chinese writer, philosopher, linguist, and inventor who bridged cultural divides for English-speaking readers.
- His famous works, including My Country and My People and The Importance of Living, introduced millions in the West to Chinese culture, humor, and the art of leisure.
- After spending three decades living abroad, the Fujian-born intellectual officially moved to Taiwan in 1966.
- During his final years in Taiwan, Lin resided in a picturesque home in Yangmingshan overlooking Taipei.
- Lin Yutang often wrote about the small, everyday pleasures that made his twilight years in Taiwan among the happiest of his life.
Writer, philosopher, linguist, inventor – Lin Yutang (林語堂) was one of the most famous Chinese intellectuals of the twentieth century, and for decades one of the people most responsible for explaining Chinese culture to English-speaking readers. His My Country and My People introduced millions of Western readers to China, while The Importance of Living preached the virtues of leisure, humor and occasionally doing absolutely nothing. After three decades abroad, the Fujian-born Lin came to Taiwan in 1966. In his final years, living in his beautiful Yangmingshan home overlooking Taipei, he wrote about the small pleasures that made his years in Taiwan among the happiest of his life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lin Yutang?
Lin Yutang was a world-famous twentieth-century Chinese writer, philosopher, linguist, and inventor who played a major role in explaining Chinese culture to English-speaking readers.
What are Lin Yutang's most famous books?
His most renowned works include My Country and My People and The Importance of Living, which preached the virtues of leisure, humor, and appreciating life.
When did Lin Yutang come to Taiwan?
After living abroad for three decades, Lin Yutang moved to Taiwan in 1966 and spent his final years there.
Where did Lin Yutang live in Taiwan?
Lin lived in a beautiful home located in Yangmingshan, which offered a scenic view overlooking Taipei.