The Tao of Pooh

A book review.

The Tao of Pooh

by Benjamin Hoff

published: 1982

ISBN: 0140067477

genre: Philosophy

reviewed:2003.12.27

👍🏼👍🏼 a favorite!

This is a book that attempts to investigate the Taoist teachings of "Winnie the Pooh". It discusses the characters of the children's books as examples of Taoist concepts. And it does an convincing job.

Starting with the title character, we see how Winnie the Pooh is the "Pu" of Taoist thought - the uncarved block of wood. The unconcerned, unambitious, and untrained character that takes life as it comes, and refuses to concern himself with so many of life's distractions. From there, the other characters naturally fall into other roles, such as the highly distracted Owl and Rabbit.

It's an interesting read, and a well written and entertaining little book. The author maintains an engaging and lively spirit.