The Tao of Pooh

I think philosophy is hard to digest at the best of times, but this clever book by Benjamin Hoff really makes the Chinese philosophy of Taoism easy to understand, practical to apply and above all, fun to read.

Amongst the many teachings and ideas harboured by Taoism is the principle of being happy by living harmoniously. Hoff has successfully used Winnie the Pooh to explains Taoism and vice-versa. Who knew that this simple, lovable bear was so wise?

For example, Pooh bear’s simple, childlike and happy-go-lucky attitude to life embodies the principle of Pu. That when we discard the things that get in the way and allow things to be what they are, life becomes fun.

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully.
“It’s the same thing,” he said.

Owl on the other hand resembles a scholar who pursues knowledge for the sake of knowledge, but sometimes knowledge learnt from experience, that we willingly share with others is more important than what we keep to ourselves for the sake of appearing wise.

Eeyore’s pessimistic attitude is one that gets in the way of accomplishing anything in life. Complaining about everything prevents happiness.

Rabbit’s cleverness and wit too has its limitations because he fails to look deeply into the heart of things.

“Those who have no compassion have no wisdom. Knowledge, yes; cleverness, maybe; wisdom, no. A clever mind is not a heart. Knowledge doesn’t really care. Wisdom does.”

Tigger gets himself into trouble all the time because he believes that “Tigger’s can do everything”. The wise know their limitations, the foolish do not.

Piglet is a very small animal who knows his strengths and weaknesses which helps him to be braver than one would expect.

Taoism teaches us that we each have our own unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding ourselves and others is the first step to a happy and harmonious life. This is a truly lovable book well worth reading, giving and keeping.

If you are interested in further reading, I recommend the Taoist Philosophy article from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.