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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Power of Nunchi summary
Euny Hong
The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success
22 mins
Brief summary
The Power of Nunchi by Euny Hong explores the Korean concept of using social intelligence to read others' emotions and intentions. With practical examples, it teaches how nunchi can improve relationships and communication, and ultimately lead to success in all areas of life.
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The Power of Nunchi
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Nunchi is the subtle Korean art of reading other people’s thoughts and moods in order to build trust, harmony and connection.
Suppose you’ve just started a new job. You’ve been invited to a work party, and you want to make a great impression. You walk into the room and notice that everyone is laughing at a not-particularly-funny joke made by an older woman you’ve never seen before. What do you do in this case?
If you have good nunchi, you might guess that the woman telling the joke is important, and quite probably the boss – after all, everyone around her is laughing at her bad joke. You’d then find the first tactful moment to introduce yourself to her.
Nunchi – the Korean art of gauging other people’s thoughts and moods from their behavior – is key to navigating complex social situations. In Korean, the word nunchi literally means “eye-measure.” It’s the ability to see or sense what is around you and to constantly recalibrate your assumptions based on changes in your environment.
A key aspect of social life in Korea, nunchi is an art that developed out of that country’s unique history. Korea lies at the crossroads of the two Asian superpowers, China and Japan, and it has been invaded as many as 800 times. Yet despite this tumultuous history, Korea has not only survived, it has thrived. How? Through the art of nunchi. Korea was too small to fight these large invading empires, so it had to accommodate and work around them. When their country was colonized by the Japanese from 1919 to 1945, for instance, Koreans had to walk a fine line between appeasing their Japanese overlords and protecting themselves and their culture by tactfully preserving Korean newspapers, non-Japanese religions and Korean instruction in schools.
Because of its important contribution to Korean history and culture, nunchi is celebrated in the country’s folk tales – such as the one about the sixteenth-century “Korean Robin Hood” Hong Gildong. Hong used his nunchi to overcome an assassination attempt, overthrow a king, and then become king himself.
But just because nunchi has its roots in Korean culture doesn’t mean that it isn’t applicable in other contexts. In any culture, nunchi can help you choose the right romantic or business partner, help you advance at work, and protect you from people who might want to pull you down. Indeed, Jeohong Heo, professor of psychology at Kyungpook National University in Korea, found that people who scored high for nunchi skills also had higher senses of self-esteem and satisfaction with life.
So, to lead a happier life, consider embracing the subtle power of nunchi.
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What is The Power of Nunchi about?
The Power of Nunchi (2019) is an introduction to the subtle Korean art of gauging other people’s moods and thoughts in order to create trust, connection, and harmony. While nunchi has its roots in Korean culture, its lessons are applicable to contexts far beyond Korea. That’s because nunchi is a social skill that’ll empower you to read a room and understand others so that you can improve your relationships, get ahead at work, and influence people in any context and place.
The Power of Nunchi Review
The Power of Nunchi (2019) explores the Korean art of reading others' minds through observation and intuition, and why it is a skill worth mastering. This book stands out for the following reasons:
- Its practical tips and techniques can help improve social interactions and enhance personal relationships.
- With engaging anecdotes and real-life examples, it offers a deeper understanding of human behavior and the cultural context behind nunchi.
- The book's fascinating exploration of nunchi inspires readers to develop their emotional intelligence and cultivate empathy.
Best quote from The Power of Nunchi
You learn more from listening than from speaking.
—Euny Hong
Who should read The Power of Nunchi?
- Employees who want to get ahead at work
- Wellness seekers who want to better connect with others
- Korean culture enthusiasts
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The Power of Nunchi FAQs
What is the main message of The Power of Nunchi?
The main message of The Power of Nunchi is to harness the power of our intuition and observation to improve our relationships and navigate social situations effectively.
How long does it take to read The Power of Nunchi?
The reading time for The Power of Nunchi varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Power of Nunchi a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Power of Nunchi is a valuable read for anyone interested in developing their interpersonal skills. It offers practical insights and actionable advice for better navigating social dynamics.
Who is the author of The Power of Nunchi?
The author of The Power of Nunchi is Euny Hong.
What to read after The Power of Nunchi?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Power of Nunchi, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Squiggly Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
- Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnett
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki