Summary
François Jullien's *In Praise of Blandness* argues that "blandness" in Chinese thought and aesthetics is not a deficiency but a positive quality representing the harmonious, unnameable union of all potential values. This concept embodies a reality defined by constant change, offering an infinite opening for human expression and taste, as seen in literary, visual, philosophical, and religious texts across Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
This work traces the development of blandness from its roots in Daoist and Confucian traditions through its integration into late-medieval aesthetics. By presenting concrete examples and original texts, Jullien reveals blandness as the undifferentiated foundation of all things. Readers will emerge with a reevaluation of Western notions that equate blandness with a lack of specific qualities.
Key concepts
- Blandness as a positive quality — A concept in Chinese thought and aesthetics representing the harmonious union of all potential values.
- The undifferentiated foundation of all things — Blandness itself, which Jullien posits as the underlying basis of reality.
- Harmonious accord of Chinese thought — The convergence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism in valuing blandness.
- Eastern aesthetics — The application and understanding of blandness within Chinese literary and visual arts.
From the book
Description: A consideration of blandness not as the absence of defining qualities but as the harmonious union of all potential values--an infinite opening into human experience. Already translated into six languages, Francois Jullien's In Praise of Blandness has become a classic. Appearing for the first time in English, this groundbreaking work of philosophy, anthropology, aesthetics, and sinology is certain to stir readers to think and experience what may at first seem impossible: the richness of a bland sound, a bland meaning, a bland painting, a bland poem. In presenting the value of blandness through as many concrete examples and original texts as possible, Jullien allows the undifferentiated foundation of all things--blandness itself--to appear. After completing this book, readers…
Snippet: After completing this book, readers will reevaluate those familiar Western lines of thought where blandness is associated with a lack--the undesirable absence of particular, defining qualities.