Synthesized answer
The provided passages describe a philosophical inquiry into how to "feed life," or nourish it, drawing on the early Chinese thinker Zhuangzi [Passage 1]. This exploration delves into notions of breath, energy, and immanence [Passage 1].
However, the passages do not explicitly state the central thesis of the text "The Propensity of Things: Toward a History of Efficacy in China." They describe a book titled "Vital Nourishment" by François Jullien, which focuses on nourishing life through concepts like breath, energy, and immanence. The central thesis of "The Propensity of Things: Toward a History of Efficacy in China" is not present in the given information.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Title: Vital Nourishment by François Jullien Description: A philosophical inquiry into how to "feed life," or nourish it, draws from early Chinese thinker Zhuanghi to explore notions of breath, energy, and immanence. Categories: History Pages: 178 Snippet: A philosophical inquiry into how to "feed life," or nourish it, draws from early Chinese thinker Zhuanghi to explore notions of breath, energy, and immanence.