Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion by Qian Gu, 1560 (Chinese, 1508–ca. 1578), Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Handscroll, ink. C. C. Wang Family, Gift of Douglas Dillon, 1980/ MET open collection

A 16th‑century Chinese writer spoke of workplace burnout, leaving a blueprint for radical acts of rest

Four centuries ago, Ming Dynasty scholar and poet Yuan Hongdao wrote essays which reflected on the workplace. Yuan’s reflections resonate with today’s modern burnout with uncanny urgency.

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