The Tao of Pooh

Taoism (also known as Daoism) 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 fundamentals 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 profound world of Taoist. The main concept that caught my attention while reading this book was The Uncarved Block. According to Hoff, the most important principle of Taoism is The Uncarved Block and Hoff uses Pooh to best explain this. "The principle of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed." 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. This is the main concept as the life and actions of a Taoist. Hoff uses all the characters from Winnie the Pooh to show the reader different philosophies in the Taoist beliefs. Rabbit is a character who is always on the go, Hoff says that the Taoist believe that if one is always busy, he or she often misses things and one does not enjoy life. Piglet's character can be described as scared and hesitant. Hoff says that the Taoist believe that if Piglet would not hesitate, he would get things done in a much more efficient way. He should act before he reacts. In other words 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. Everyone who knows that character of Eeyore knows that he is always moping around with a depressed look on his face. They would also know that Eeyore does nothing but worry. The Taoist's belief is that if Eeyore did not constantly fret, then life would be much easier. Hoff's purpose of this book is an informative purpose. He is not trying to persuade the reader to convert to Taoism, He wrote the book to inform people of Taoism. He wanted to teach the ways and beliefs of a Taoist. 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. The only argument that Hoff really presents is whether or not the Taoist way is the best way, and whether or not it really works. For example, in the story of Eeyore getting stuck in the river; everybody had been trying to think of quick ways to get Eeyore out of the river. Pooh, who is the epitome of the Uncarved Block, said that if they just dropped a big stone into the river, then it would just wash Eeyore ashore. Pooh did it without even thinking, because thinking would make things for difficult, and of course it worked. Hoff uses this book to give the reader and understanding of Taoism in a simple form making the book an easy read for all. I think he touches all the important aspects of Taoism and I believe that he is indeed qualified to analyze the theories of Taoism. I believe that he was trying to teach the uninformed about the Taoist principles and the "Uncarved Block" and I think that he successfully accomplished that by writing this book.