The Art of Being Useless

Is it possible to live our lives according to a philosophy?

What happens when people 'unwire' themselves from the social, political, and religious ideologies of their time? What do they replace them with?

To the backdrop initially of post Nazi Germany with its very heavy historical load Hartmann takes on these and other questions. He further explores them while teaching, creating art and dancing Tango in Argentina, China, Turkey and elsewhere while living the productive life of the Idler everywhere. Though he references various thinkers - Aristotle, Christ, Nietzsche and others - he primarily explores Zhuangzi's espousal of the non-busy life. Hartmann regards him as a lifelong companion and teacher on the Tao concepts of emptiness, usefulness and the idle life. Under particular scrutiny comes Western work culture and its personal, social and environmental toll. Zhuangzi provides observations that are as valid for our times as for his.

Hartmann's tale does not claim to be a one size fits all, follow these steps manual to enlightenment but is instead an account of how one person followed their path with a wonder, respect and reverence for life. It is told in a folksy way depicting the events of a lifetime in the context of an ancient Chinese philosophy.

See and appreciate the highs and lows of life through the lens of the Dao.