The timeless bestseller to living a slower, guilt-free life.

The Importance of Living is a wry, witty antidote to the dizzying pace of the modern world.

Lin Yutang's prescription is a classic Chinese philosophy of life: Revere inaction as much as action, invoke humour to maintain a healthy attitude, and never forget that there will always be plenty of fools around who are willing – indeed, eager – to be busy, to make themselves useful, and to exercise power while you bask in the simple joy of existence.

At a time when we're overwhelmed with wake-up calls, checking items off to-do lists, and keeping up with the frantic pace of the digital world, here is a refreshing, playful reminder to savour life's simple pleasures.