"Thought-provoking and charming." -Library Journal
Not all Great Masters of Wisdom are venerable graybeards. One is as familiar to us as ...
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May 02, 2007
ryan
rated it: 
I was sitting in a coffee shop recently with a young woman who described herself as a Taoist Pagan Pantheist. My first thought was, "what the heck is that?" Luckily what came out of my mouth was slightly more tactful, "describe that for me, I've never met someone who described herself that way" (Translation: what the heck is that!).
After we talked for a while, she recommended I read this book. So here's my synopsis - pretty fascinating book, actually. I'm looking More...
After we talked for a while, she recommended I read this book. So here's my synopsis - pretty fascinating book, actually. I'm looking More...
Jul 19, 2008
Matthew
rated it: 
I spent my whole 62 cents at amazon thinking this would be an interesting book that would explain some of the basics of Taoism using the cute lovable winnie the pooh. Cute idea, I said to myself...unfortunately this was one of the biggest wast of time I have spent with a book. All Benjamin Hoff did was copy a bunch of exerts and sayings from Chaung-Tse; I could have just went and read Chaung-Tse if I wanted to hear Chaung-Tse. Besides that, Hoff takes these cute characters and labels them and tr
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Jan 17, 2008
Weinz
rated it:
Some how when it comes from the guileless mouth of a tender hearted bear happiness and contentment in life seems so simple. Hoff does an amazing job of bringing his readers Eastern philosophy from the point of view of endearing characters that we've all grown up with. Its message of simplicity and peace was like a vacation for the soul. I recommend this one to anyone who needs a break from the every day grime we all have to deal with.
My only grief was the watered down version of th More...
My only grief was the watered down version of th More...
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Oct 13, 2007
Naomi
rated it: 
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, kept me entertained, and I feel like I actually grasped the general concepts of Taoism. That was accomplishing a lot because sometimes my borderline ADD brain can't focus on religion and philosophy books. It's not like I don't want to know. I do want to know. But it can't be helped what my brain does and does not respond to. Winnie the Pooh and funniness are two things my brain inevitably responds to. So intertwining those things with philosophy i
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Aug 30, 2007
Clint
rated it:
I don't know what to say about this book that won't offend someone. It's like those Simpsons philosphy books, of something some modern professor tries to write to appear both profound and eccentric, living up to that professor image. Oh god books like this make me want to kill myself out of the shame I feel at being from the same planet as these people.
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Aug 02, 2008
Joe
rated it: 
I picked up this book because it seemed so charming. The author took the stories and characters of A.A. Milne and juxtaposed them with the Taoist teachings of people such as Lao Tzu.
Pooh as western Taoist starts off interestingly enough but halfway through it I came to the realization that it was making me want to just read the actual Milne, who was frankly probably a genius writer. Those were great books with great characters, each with their own type of intelligence.
T More...
Pooh as western Taoist starts off interestingly enough but halfway through it I came to the realization that it was making me want to just read the actual Milne, who was frankly probably a genius writer. Those were great books with great characters, each with their own type of intelligence.
T More...
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Sep 10, 2008
Patrick
rated it:
The Way that can be spoken of is not the one we tread.
These are Lao-Tse's opening words. The great mistake of course is that we do speak of it, and write of it, and attempt to pontificate upon the nature of all things as though an understanding of the Way entailed an understanding of all things. It is rather that an understanding of the Way encompasses all things. To understand, to judge, to see the faults in one and not the other is a common mistake in the interpretation of var More...
These are Lao-Tse's opening words. The great mistake of course is that we do speak of it, and write of it, and attempt to pontificate upon the nature of all things as though an understanding of the Way entailed an understanding of all things. It is rather that an understanding of the Way encompasses all things. To understand, to judge, to see the faults in one and not the other is a common mistake in the interpretation of var More...
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Sep 01, 2007
Bethany
rated it: 
A friend of mine suggested I read this book, and I have to say I'm glad I took her advice. That said, its tough to explain this book aside from saying, it just is.
The novel gently exposes the reader to the truths of Taoism by refrencing the unique and profound qualities of A.A. Miline's character Winnie the Pooh. As I read, I was thrilled to realize just how much the characters truly reflect the principles of Taoism. The novel is a quick and easy read, in which you are jetted back More...
The novel gently exposes the reader to the truths of Taoism by refrencing the unique and profound qualities of A.A. Miline's character Winnie the Pooh. As I read, I was thrilled to realize just how much the characters truly reflect the principles of Taoism. The novel is a quick and easy read, in which you are jetted back More...
Aug 23, 2007
Byron
rated it:
Nice. Short. Accessible.
p20. Uncarved Block = simplicity and naturalness
"When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun."
p24. The Learned
"The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise." - Lao Tse
"A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean; nor can a summer insect c More...
p20. Uncarved Block = simplicity and naturalness
"When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun."
p24. The Learned
"The wise are not learned; the learned are not wise." - Lao Tse
"A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean; nor can a summer insect c More...
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Nov 23, 2007
Monk
rated it:
With as much love as I have for the translation of the Tao Te Ching I stick by, there are concepts which lack definition that can leave you wondering about certain aspects of the Tao. Some could just use a little nudge, a push to help one on the way to understanding.
One whould not expect A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh to come in and herald the solutions to the Tao's mysteries, but then again, you'd be surprised.
The Bear of Little Brain is used as an example of the simple li More...
One whould not expect A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh to come in and herald the solutions to the Tao's mysteries, but then again, you'd be surprised.
The Bear of Little Brain is used as an example of the simple li More...
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Apr 13, 2009
♠Shane
rated it:
I love this book. Taoism is a diffacult concept to wrap your mind around and it couldn't have been made any simpler than it has been in this book. It's got some great stories in it by itself and all of the characters make great examples of the classic personality types you bump in to in everday life. I can't count how many times i've bumped in to an Eore driving home from work or walking down the street. A must read for anyone struggling with the concept of toaism. I'd also recommend The Te Of P
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Mar 08, 2009
Fay
rated it:
Recently, I was compelled to read and analyze this book for a class in school. Out of my entire class, I was one of two students who disliked it and chose to write an essay on why Pooh does not exemplify Taoism. I will share an excerpt here:
Pooh’s interactions with other Animals in the story show that he is too easily persuaded and altered, unlike a true Taoist. According to the Tao Te Ching, a true master is not only a listener but also a leader: “Therefore wise men embrace the one
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Jan 18, 2009
Betsy
rated it:
a friend at work loaned this to me some time ago, and when i finally got around to reading it i wish i'd done sooner. it's very cute, very charming, and a very accessible look at what's being called western taoism, as it were. i'm in that navel-gazing self-searching phase of my 20's wherein i try to figure out just what ism i subscribe to, if any, and this book was a cute and functional way to further my studies. the creatures 100 acre wood are by their very nature archetypal, but seeing them la
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Mar 30, 2008
OK for all of you lover's of Classic Winnie the Pooh... Oh my gosh!!! This book is charming, charming and more charming! In a way only Pooh can do! Here is a tidbit. I just must.
"Let's go see everybody," said Pooh. "Because when you've been walking in the wind for miles , and you suddenly go into somebody's house, and he says, 'Hallo, Pooh, you're just in time for al ittle smackerel of something,' and you are, then it's what I call a Friendly Day."
Here is to More...
"Let's go see everybody," said Pooh. "Because when you've been walking in the wind for miles , and you suddenly go into somebody's house, and he says, 'Hallo, Pooh, you're just in time for al ittle smackerel of something,' and you are, then it's what I call a Friendly Day."
Here is to More...
Feb 13, 2012
Grace
rated it:
Author: Benjamin Hoff
Title: The Tao of Pooh
Description: The book uses characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain principles of Taoism.
Writing style: The real enchantment of the book is that it borrows from Milne’s originals. If it has been awhile since you read Pooh, you’ll no doubt be delighted and surprised at Milne’s wit. When Hoff tries to write in the same style, it falls a little flat for me.
Audience: People interested in Taoism. I read it because I received the book More...
Title: The Tao of Pooh
Description: The book uses characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain principles of Taoism.
Writing style: The real enchantment of the book is that it borrows from Milne’s originals. If it has been awhile since you read Pooh, you’ll no doubt be delighted and surprised at Milne’s wit. When Hoff tries to write in the same style, it falls a little flat for me.
Audience: People interested in Taoism. I read it because I received the book More...
Dec 10, 2011
Luke
rated it:
Yet another hippie whose sense of smug self-satisfaction reached critical mass and was mistaken for enlightenment. I have a particular loathing for people who insist their ignorance is equally as valuable as others' knowledge, let alone those who actually believe it to be superior. Guess what - knowledge is what you've used to recognize and define your "childlike" ignorance. It's all right there in that Brain you claim to hate. Ingrate.
I feel as though this was meant for a More...
I feel as though this was meant for a More...
Sep 05, 2011
Dan
rated it:
The Tao of Pooh.
So after much procrastination and a wicked sore throat which has left me a homebody for most of this fine labor day weekend, I've finally finished reading this. I am very glad that I did though.
To be honest, I was quite skeptical of this book which makes an attempt to show a parallel between the adventures of Winnie the Pooh with Taoist philosophy. I at first thought that this would be a gimmicky sorta book, meant to sell to people captivated by Pooh bear More...
So after much procrastination and a wicked sore throat which has left me a homebody for most of this fine labor day weekend, I've finally finished reading this. I am very glad that I did though.
To be honest, I was quite skeptical of this book which makes an attempt to show a parallel between the adventures of Winnie the Pooh with Taoist philosophy. I at first thought that this would be a gimmicky sorta book, meant to sell to people captivated by Pooh bear More...
May 24, 2011
Adam
rated it:
It almost goes against the spirit of the book to analyze it, but there are two points I want to make.
First, what a joy to be reminded of the understated wisdom in A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories. I need to read those again.
Second, how unfortunate that for all his attempts to educate readers about Taoist principals, Hoff couldn't resist falling back on the that classic 20th century debate tactic, the "Doomsday gambit." If you were born after 1960, you've pro More...
First, what a joy to be reminded of the understated wisdom in A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories. I need to read those again.
Second, how unfortunate that for all his attempts to educate readers about Taoist principals, Hoff couldn't resist falling back on the that classic 20th century debate tactic, the "Doomsday gambit." If you were born after 1960, you've pro More...
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Apr 30, 2011
Emma
rated it:
Western Taoist
The world's best Taoist isn't Chinese... Taoism basically says that the meaning of life is simplicity. When you don't stress out- everything will be okay. So- according to Taoism- Winnie the pooh is as wise as can be. Things fall into to place one after another- and Winnie the Pooh still gets by. Pooh is smarter than he looks.
You know that saying your mom used to say to you? "Don't sweat the More...
The world's best Taoist isn't Chinese... Taoism basically says that the meaning of life is simplicity. When you don't stress out- everything will be okay. So- according to Taoism- Winnie the pooh is as wise as can be. Things fall into to place one after another- and Winnie the Pooh still gets by. Pooh is smarter than he looks.
You know that saying your mom used to say to you? "Don't sweat the More...
Jan 25, 2011
mlady_rebecca
rated it:
The back of the book reads (in part):
While Eeyore frets...
... and Piglet hesitates
... and Rabbit calculates
... and Owl pontificates
... Pooh just is.
And that's a clue to the secret wisdom of the Taoists.
Well, going by that alone, I'll never be a good Taoist. I resound more with all the other characters except Pooh. Probably Eeyore and Owl the most.
I had a stuffed Eeyore when I was a child. Don't remember if I choose him, my parents choose him beca More...
While Eeyore frets...
... and Piglet hesitates
... and Rabbit calculates
... and Owl pontificates
... Pooh just is.
And that's a clue to the secret wisdom of the Taoists.
Well, going by that alone, I'll never be a good Taoist. I resound more with all the other characters except Pooh. Probably Eeyore and Owl the most.
I had a stuffed Eeyore when I was a child. Don't remember if I choose him, my parents choose him beca More...
Jan 21, 2011
Janie
rated it:
Why I read it:
- I'm an old fan of Pooh semiotics; I miss my Bear of Very Little Brain; A friend I love loved it;
What to eat with it:
- Something pickled! (Alternatively, there's always honey.) My favorite new, not-Pooh material was The Three Vinegar Tasters allegory. I find the distinctions drawn between Buddh-, Tao-, and Confucianism to be enlightening. I may use this as my book for the Edible Book Festival. (Don't steal my idea. I'll get my sous chef to whip you with udon al More...
- I'm an old fan of Pooh semiotics; I miss my Bear of Very Little Brain; A friend I love loved it;
What to eat with it:
- Something pickled! (Alternatively, there's always honey.) My favorite new, not-Pooh material was The Three Vinegar Tasters allegory. I find the distinctions drawn between Buddh-, Tao-, and Confucianism to be enlightening. I may use this as my book for the Edible Book Festival. (Don't steal my idea. I'll get my sous chef to whip you with udon al More...
Jan 21, 2011
Dylan
rated it:
(Sorry Tyler)
On premise alone, this book opens with great momentum. In the first 21 pages, Hoff successfully illustrates his idea that A.A. Milne's character, Winnie the Pooh, is a great literary embodiment of the teachings of Lao-tse. Well done. Directing attention to the parallels between Eastern and Western philosophy is not an altogether original idea. Fritjof Capra accomplishes the very same thing with greater skill, detail and poetry in his book, The Tao of Physics. Hoff's arguments More...
On premise alone, this book opens with great momentum. In the first 21 pages, Hoff successfully illustrates his idea that A.A. Milne's character, Winnie the Pooh, is a great literary embodiment of the teachings of Lao-tse. Well done. Directing attention to the parallels between Eastern and Western philosophy is not an altogether original idea. Fritjof Capra accomplishes the very same thing with greater skill, detail and poetry in his book, The Tao of Physics. Hoff's arguments More...
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Nov 17, 2010
Cary
rated it:
This book was very disappointing. While there is some wisdom in it - slow your life down, try to live more harmoniously, etc - this had way too much of the "don't try, just let things happen and it will all work out" message that was present in Coelho's "The Alchemist."(Maybe Hoff was channeling Coelho when he wrote this.) However what I found most deplorable was Hoff's flat out repudiation of science. His reasoning for this was ill-informed at best, willfully ignorant at wor
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Jul 30, 2010
Jacob
rated it:
The Tao of Pooh was an interesting read. It confirmed things I've long believed about acting without consciously doing, focusing on one thing at a time, and appreciating nothingness. But at the same time, there were many central points with which I disagreed.
Hoff's exposure to scholars is unfortunate. I know the stereotype he's getting at; people who study meaningless things only to appear smarter than each other, but I think that's not the whole picture. A real scientist is someone More...
Hoff's exposure to scholars is unfortunate. I know the stereotype he's getting at; people who study meaningless things only to appear smarter than each other, but I think that's not the whole picture. A real scientist is someone More...
Mar 05, 2010
Mimi
rated it:
I teach a college course called "East-West Synthesis" in which we discuss the religions and philosophies of places such as China and other Far Eastern cultures. Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism ... all major topics. With most of us growing up in the Western mindset, I often feel like students look at me like I am speaking gibberish when I talk about the ideas of Taoism, for instance. So this charming explanation of "the principles of Taoism through Winnie-the- Pooh" and
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Jun 19, 2009
Katy
rated it:
3.5 stars
I found this book to be an enjoyable little read. I have no knowledge of Taoism, so I can't tell you if it is even remotely accurate, but I felt like there were lots of interesting thoughts presented:
"It means that we need to recognize What's There. If you face the fact that you have weak muscles, say, then you can do the right things and eventually become strong. But if you ignore What's There and try to lift someone's car out of a ditch, what sort of condi More...
I found this book to be an enjoyable little read. I have no knowledge of Taoism, so I can't tell you if it is even remotely accurate, but I felt like there were lots of interesting thoughts presented:
"It means that we need to recognize What's There. If you face the fact that you have weak muscles, say, then you can do the right things and eventually become strong. But if you ignore What's There and try to lift someone's car out of a ditch, what sort of condi More...
Jun 18, 2009
Heather
rated it:
This was a book that I picked up when I first started studying Taoism. Although Hoff’s essential explanations of the philosophy’s nuances aren’t completely explained by Pooh and his friends, the author does a good job providing a basic jumping-off point for anyone new to the study of Taoism.
Using the old familiar pop-culture icon, Hoff is able to take a sometimes confusing and certainly complex philosophy and make it more accessible to the masses. Sure, it’s not perfect. And if you More...
Using the old familiar pop-culture icon, Hoff is able to take a sometimes confusing and certainly complex philosophy and make it more accessible to the masses. Sure, it’s not perfect. And if you More...
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Apr 28, 2009
Purplycookie
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"How can you get very far,
If you don't know Who You Are?
How can you do what you ought, If you don't know What You've Got?
And if you don't know Which To Do
Of all the things in front of you,
Then what you'll have when you are through
Is just a mess without a clue
Of all the best that can come true
If you know What and Which and Who."
Is there such thing as a Western Taoist? Hoff says there is, he explains with ease that rather than More...
If you don't know Who You Are?
How can you do what you ought, If you don't know What You've Got?
And if you don't know Which To Do
Of all the things in front of you,
Then what you'll have when you are through
Is just a mess without a clue
Of all the best that can come true
If you know What and Which and Who."
Is there such thing as a Western Taoist? Hoff says there is, he explains with ease that rather than More...
