The French art of not trying too hard / Ollivier Pourriol

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- 1. Continue -- 2. Start -- 3. The temptation of 10,000 hours -- 4. The experience of grace -- 5. Find the right position -- 6. The art of gliding -- 7. Stop thinking -- 8. Hit the target without aiming -- 9. The secret laws of attention -- 10. The power of Dreams -- In conclusion -- Bibliography -- Acknowledgements.

"In the realm of love, what could be less seductive than someone who's trying to seduce you? Seduction is the art of succeeding without trying, and that's a lesson the French have mastered. We can see it in their laissez-faire parenting, chic style, haute cuisine, and enviable home cooking: They barely seem to be trying, yet the results are world-famous-thanks to a certain je ne sais quoi that is the key to a more creative, fulfilling, and productive life. In The French art of Not Trying Too Hard, philosopher Olivier Pourriol draws on the examples of such French legends as Descartes, Stendhal, Rodin, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Françoise Sagan to show how to be efficient à la française, and how to effortlessly reap the rewards."