the Tao of Dude

In their 1998 film, "The Big Lebowski," the Coen Brothers introduced one of the most beloved cult icons of modern cinema, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski - a deeply casual, comically earnest fellow who never let an uptight world get him down.Today there are major festivals held in the film’s honor (Lebowskifests), a religion inspired by The Dude’s example (Dudeism), and several books which take stock of the growing Lebowski phenomenon.Nevertheless, we contend that the Dude is only the latest in a long line of pioneering dudes, both fictional and real. Throughout history, these lounge-chair revolutionaries have helped correct civilization’s ills and excesses with a mellow, lighthearted, live-and-let live attitude. From Lao Tzu to Lebowski, Epicurus to Einstein, The Buddha to Bob Dylan, all have reminded humanity what is most important in life: personal liberty, peace of mind, leisure time and good friends.Bringing together some of the greatest ideas, quotes and insights Dudeosophy has had to offer, THE TAO OF THE DUDE is not only a virtual Ph.D in Dudeism, but also a soothing sectional sofa for the soul.Each chapter contains an essay and illustration by the founder of Dudeism, followed by an assortment of quotes and passages that show how Dudeism has existed throughout history, down through the generations, across the sands of time...