Lin Yutang and H.D.Thoreau——a Case Study of The Importance of Living

The Importance of Living of the English version is the most popular production of Lin Yutang.Out of a strong personal motivation and a national motivation,Lin Yutang set out to create this book.When exploring the human nature and philosophy of life in The Importance of Living,Lin Yutang mentioned H.D.Thoreau many times,which showed that Lin Yutang held a particular feeling of H.D.THoreau.From the perspective of Lin Yutang,Thoreau was not perfect,but he still showed an appreciative attitude toward Thoreau.Considering the need of western readers,Lin Yutang did his best to attempt to display the charm of Chinese art of living.Given the intercultural communication in a hetero-cultural context,Lin Yutang chose Thoreau similar to Chinese as an evidence to support his viewpoint.Therefore,Thoreau became a medium for Lin Yutang to export the Chinese art of living.