Edward Slingerland
Born: May 25, 1968 – Maplewood, New Jersey, United States
Edward Slingerland is a Canadian scholar of Chinese philosophy and cognitive science at the University of British Columbia. His books, including Trying Not to Try and Drunk, examine early Chinese thought, religion, embodiment, and spontaneity, helping bring concepts such as wu-wei into contemporary discussions of psychology, ethics, and culture.
Biography & Author's Journey
Edward Slingerland’s intellectual life began with a sharp change of direction. Born in New Jersey, he first studied biology and Chinese at Princeton, but as a young man he broke from that path, left the East Coast, and rode a motorcycle to San Francisco. In California he turned decisively toward the humanities, completing a B.A. in Chinese at Stanford, pursuing classical Chinese at UC Berkeley, and then returning to Stanford for a Ph.D. in Religious Studies in 1998, with training in early Chinese thought, virtue ethics, and hermeneutics. ((https://www.edwardslingerland.com/about))
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Popular Books
Drunk
Edward Slingerland
A provocative exploration of alcohol's role in human evolution, creativity, and social bonding throughout history and civilization.
Trying Not to Try
Edward Slingerland
Explore the paradoxical power of spontaneity through ancient Chinese wisdom and modern cognitive science for a more fulfilling life.
Drunk
Edward Slingerland
A provocative exploration of alcohol's role in human evolution, creativity, and social bonding throughout history and civilization.
Trying Not to Try
Edward Slingerland
Explore the paradoxical power of spontaneity through ancient Chinese wisdom and modern cognitive science for a more fulfilling life.
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Study Mind, Self, & Philosophy
Study Mind, Self, & Philosophy
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Explore Eastern philosophies
Explore Eastern philosophies
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Study Life, Mind, Society & Well-being
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Study Education, History, Philosophy & Psych
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Philosophy, especially existentialism
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Wisdom and critical thinking
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Community Voices
"Edward Slingerland treats us to a work of seminal importance"
— Huffington Post
"Edward Slingerland makes an excellent case that intoxication is a powerful force for trust and love"
— Paul Bloom
"Edward Slingerland is not just a philosopher, he's a time traveller"
— Russell Brand
"The story of drinking is, indeed, the story of humanity, and Edward Slingerland tells it with endearing wit, irreverence, wisdom, and profound insight"
— Wade Davis
"In this fascinating book, Edward Slingerland tackles one of the most infuriating obstacles we encounter in our attempts to live meaningful lives"
— Oliver Burkeman
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
