Hot water, foot soaks, baduanjin, quiet time in the park — these everyday habits are taking on new meaning for a generation worn down by hustle culture.
Under the label Chinamaxxing, more young people are turning to Chinese-inspired ways of living in search of a slower, more grounded rhythm.
But the appeal may go deeper than wellness routines. For many young people, the real pressure comes from an always-on culture that says you should do more, move faster, and never fall behind.
That struggle may feel very modern, but the questions behind it are not. More than 2,000 years ago, Confucius was already reflecting on choice, contentment, and how to remain steady in a rapidly changing world.
So what might Confucius make of hustle culture today — and what would he say about Chinamaxxing? Watch the video to find out what happens when ancient wisdom meets a very modern dilemma.
