Tao of Pooh

Taoism is known to many as the "way" or "path" that is followed. In The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff uses the characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain the basics of Taoism. By observing the actions of the main characters, he decides that the actions of Pooh best describe Taoism. This book has offered an interesting and understandable entry into the philosophical world of the Taoist.

According to the author, the most important principle of Taoism is The Uncarved Block and Hoff uses Pooh to best explain this. Hoff shows how Pooh does not think or ponder about things; he just does them. As a result of this, things always work out for Pooh. Pooh works with nature, not against it and he does not try to interfere. Pooh leads a simple life. That is the main idea of the life and actions of a Taoist.

Benjamin Hoff uses all the characters from Winnie the Pooh to show the reader different viewpoints in the Taoist beliefs. Rabbit is a character who is always on the go; the Taoist believe that if one is always busy, he or she often misses things and does not enjoy life. Piglet's character is scared and hesitant; the Taoist believe that if Piglet would not hesitate, he would get things done in a much more effective way. He should act before he reacts, meaning he should just do, not think. Owl's character is used to show that when you are always looking for a reason for something, then it often makes things too complicated. Finally, there's Eeyore who's always moping around with a depressed look on his face and does nothing but worry. The Taoist's belief is that if Eeyore did not constantly fuss, then life would be much easier. The author's purpose of this book is an informative purpose. He is not trying to persuade the reader to convert to Taoism, just teaching their ways and beliefs. He wanted to teach in a way in which everyone could understand or relate, that is why he uses Winnie the Pooh. In each chapter he tells a Winnie the Pooh story and then explains how it relates to Taoism. This book is extremely well written and the main idea is very clear.