The Power of Nunchi

August 26, 2019
This deceptively simple yet profoundly wise guide from Hong (The Birth of Korean Cool) explores the 5,000-year-old Korean art of nunchi (“eye measure”) and provides lessons on the power of inference to build connections and improve relationships. For Hong, Sherlock Holmes and Tyrion Lannister have excellent nunchi—the ability to assess the energy in the room, deduce information based on context instead of words, and gain emotional intelligence. She explains how, at odds with the Western emphasis on individuality and noisiness, the rules of nunchi include that one should clear one’s mind of preconceptions, be silent and observe, infer what others are thinking rather than what they are saying, and try not to intentionally cause harm. Hong describes how to see wisdom in first impressions, gather data to prove or disprove those impressions, and learn to adapt to change. In a particularly illuminating chapter, she delineates her workplace tips, which include observing how people are greeted, making sure to find one’s boss in a room full of people, and gauging the politics in one’s office. This wonderful exploration of a nuanced Korean philosophy will appeal to any reader looking to hone skills of emotional perception.

October 1, 2019

In the wake of Meik Wiking's widely popular Little Book of Hygge comes this latest from Hong (The Birth of Korean Cool), who asserts that the Korean concept of nunchi is not just a quaint custom but a subtle art of gauging other people's thoughts and feelings to build harmony, trust, and cooperation. The author refers to this skill as a superpower, a form of emotional intelligence that enables one to "read" quickly a room or situation and respond appropriately. Hong instructs readers how to develop nunchi and use it to improve their everyday life. One intriguing rule is "never pass up a good opportunity to shut up," advice that can serve everyone well.In contrast, psychologist Navarro considers the Japanese art of kintsugi, which focuses on tending to what is broken while making reconstruction highly visible. While the term kintsugi actually refers to the repairing of objects, Navarro applies it to healing one's own broken pieces with loving attention and kindness. Navarro suggests that we can face adversity head-on by first picking up the pieces, analyzing what happened, connecting with our emotional strength, and restoring what was taken apart. Navarro offers specifics for healing after job loss, raising low self-esteem, and finding hope, then segues into mottainai, giving oneself a new opportunity. VERDICT These two books give readers the chance to incorporate principles into their daily lives that will help them see through many everyday challenges.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.