The Use of the Useless
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Things that appear 'useless' (such as a crooked tree that is spared from being cut down because it cannot be used as timber) can instead preserve themselves or bring greater value (such as providing shade for people). Worldly 'usefulness' often leads to being instrumentalized and consumed.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Value reassessment. When your skills are deemed 'useless' by the market, you may instead gain the freedom to not be consumed by involution, allowing you to explore innovations that are unprofitable in the short term but great in the long term.
Anchor fast decisions
In the Zhuangzi, Huizi and Zhuangzi discuss the Ailanthus tree: things that seem to have no practical use, because of their uselessness, are able to live out their natural years and instead become greatly useful; this illustrates transcending utilitarian standards to see long-term value.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/3Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A0%E7%94%A8%E4%B9%8B%E7%94%A8verified
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