“The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff is a cute little book exploring the principles of the philosophy of Taoism. Hoff uses the characters, predominately Pooh to show how their traits and actions reflect Taoism. Such as Pooh being the epitome of the “Uncarved Block,” when he has used his “inner nature,” and following the “Way” by not forcing or interfering and experiencing life as it happens.
“It means that Tao doesn’t force or interfere with things, but lets them work in their own way, to produce results naturally. Then whatever needs to be done is done.”
Each chapter explores a different aspect of Taoism including a conversation with Pooh and a story or two to drive it home. I have tried reading the “Tao Te Ching” that this book was based on and found it more difficult to understand, but it started to click more for me by reading this. I was also interested in this book as oftentimes the characters of Winnie the Pooh are symbols of mental health diagnoses. Overall, I think this is a cute and simple explanation of Taoism.
Read this book if:
- You are interested in Taoism
- Have read the “Tao Te Ching”
- Love Winnie the Pooh
Hoff, B. (1982). The Tao of Pooh. New York, NY: Penguin Books.