Description

Book Synopsis
Sick of striving? Giving up on grit? Had enough of hustle culture? Daunted by the 10,000-hour rule? Relax: As the French know, it's the best way to be better at everything. 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. For fans of both Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Alain de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, philosopher Ollivier Pourriol's book 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.

Trade Review
A thought-provoking and delightful book -- Simeon House * Daily Mail *
[An] amusing and interesting read; even Pourriol's description of his approach to the material is a lesson in the laissez-faire outlook. * Booklist *
A compelling look at the French attitude toward making things look easy ... For lovers of all things French, but also for those who enjoy philosophy and self-help books that discuss working smarter, not harder. * Library Journal *
A laissez-faire guide to self-help. This is a book for those who aspire to the déshabillé, Serge-Gainsbourg-and-Jane-Birkin-morning-after look and the studied negligence of the Parisian Bobo (bourgeois-bohemian). * The Times *

The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 17 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Ollivier Pourriol, Helen Stevenson

    15 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard by Ollivier Pourriol

      Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
      Publication Date: 06/01/2022
      ISBN13: 9781788163286, 978-1788163286
      ISBN10: 1788163281

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Sick of striving? Giving up on grit? Had enough of hustle culture? Daunted by the 10,000-hour rule? Relax: As the French know, it's the best way to be better at everything. 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. For fans of both Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Alain de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, philosopher Ollivier Pourriol's book 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.

      Trade Review
      A thought-provoking and delightful book -- Simeon House * Daily Mail *
      [An] amusing and interesting read; even Pourriol's description of his approach to the material is a lesson in the laissez-faire outlook. * Booklist *
      A compelling look at the French attitude toward making things look easy ... For lovers of all things French, but also for those who enjoy philosophy and self-help books that discuss working smarter, not harder. * Library Journal *
      A laissez-faire guide to self-help. This is a book for those who aspire to the déshabillé, Serge-Gainsbourg-and-Jane-Birkin-morning-after look and the studied negligence of the Parisian Bobo (bourgeois-bohemian). * The Times *

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