The Way of Kinship
The Art of Living from the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching)
An interpretation of the ancient wisdom of the Daodejing through the lens of modern cognitive science, ecological awareness, and philosophical naturalism, demonstrating how a shift in perception (from separation to interdependence) can transform how we live, relate, and govern.
What if spiritual wisdom didn’t require belief in the supernatural? What if meaning, purpose, and connection could be cultivated through a deep attunement to nature, relationship, and the present moment? The Way of Kinship invites readers into a fresh engagement with the ancient Chinese classic, the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching), offering a naturalist perspective grounded in science.
Drawing on decades of study, personal transformation, and philosophical exploration, Jim Jones examines how this 2,500-year-old text addresses modern concerns — from emotional regulation and social justice to environmental responsibility and political power. With clarity and compassion, the book reimagines spirituality as a way of living rooted in connection rather than control, kinship rather than conquest.
Through thoughtful reflections and practical insights, The Way of Kinship demonstrates how changing the way we perceive the world reshapes how we live in it. For those seeking a life of depth, presence, and coherence — without dogma — this book offers a compelling path forward
Jim Jones is a writer, philosopher, and software developer whose life’s work bridges the worlds of science, spirituality, and human well-being. With a Master of Divinity degree and years of experience as a pastor, he brings a deep grounding in religious and philosophical traditions, yet his journey led him beyond Christianity into the naturalistic wisdom of the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching).
Jim is the founder of www.Kinship.Cafe, an online community dedicated to exploring the Daodejing and fostering practices of connection, clarity, and resilience. Drawing on decades of study in philosophy, neuroscience, and Classical Chinese texts, he writes with a unique blend of scholarly care and lived experience.
When he isn’t writing or teaching, Jim works as a software developer, creating digital tools and apps that reflect his commitment to practical, grounded solutions. He lives in the United States, where he continues to explore how ancient wisdom and modern science can come together to illuminate the art of living.