Lin Yutang and the Spirit of Taoist Culture

Although many modern Chinese writers have adopted an attitude of neglect, negation, criticism and disparagement towards Taoist culture, Lin Yutang is presumably a rare exception, for he has devoted much time and energy to the study and translation of Taoist scriptures all his life and has cherished a strong admiration for Taoism, as such his works are imbued with Taoist excerpts. The profound impact on LinYutang of Taoist cultural spirit is evident in his return to nature, his view on the relation between the earth and the heaven, the fragile female aesthetics, his conservative value orientation and his style of romantic and elegant flavor, etc. As for Taoist culture, Lin Yutang has surely approached it dialectically and ascended above it instead of totally affirming it.