A Daoist Critique of Effort in Pierre Hadot's Philosophy
Ryan Harte
Abstract:This paper offers a critique of Pierre Hadot's idea of philosophy as a way of life with reference to ancient China, particularly the Zhuangzi. The prevailing scholarly emphasis in philosophy as a way of life falls too heavily on individual will and effortful exertion—thus Hadot's description of what he calls “spiritual exercises.” I argue for counterbalancing the focus on effortful self‐cultivation with attention to the role of passivity, receptiveness, and chance in the good life—collectively termed “grace.” … Show more
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