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Tao of Pooh and Te of Piglet Boxed Set

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 · rating details · 6,675 ratings · 366 reviews

Who would have though that Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet, A.A. Milne's beloved storybook characters, would cause such a stir demonstrating the fundamentals of Taoist philosophy? A perfect gift for any occasion, these two phenomenal paperback bestsellers are available for the first time in an elegantly packaged boxed set. Illustrated throughout.

Boxed Set, 0 pages

Published November 1st 1994 by Penguin Books (first published 1992)

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Feb 07, 2008 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this book late one night in a drafty garage three weeks ago when I was in California for my aunt's funeral. I read in the garage because there were people literally sleeping in every room of my dad's house---on the floors, in the hallways---it was impossible to find a place after 9:45 where I could turn a light on without disturbing anybody. It was the only thing I could find to do as my computer was out of juice and the only other reading material was a TIME magazine from the early 90s o...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Alexia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wish I had read this book in conjunction with other religious texts. Looking at the details of how it is similar to the Bible, for instance, would have been an good exercise in remembering that there is common ground amongst different spiritual beliefs. Though this book is an excellent resource on Taoism; I didn’t get as much out of it as I had hoped. I can’t tell if it is because I had a class that went over Taoism’s fundamentals or if it is the book itself. It might be the latter; the book i...more

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Apr 06, 2008 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Tao of Pooh is a great read if you don't know anything about Buddhism (well, Taoism) and you want to begin to understand it. But it's funny and interesting to read anyway, even if you're not that interested in Taoism and early Eastern Philosophies. The author uses Winnie the Pooh to relate Taoist principles to everyday life. I laughed out loud at parts (like the Busy Backson) and our obsession with consumerism and keeping up appearances. I can now categorize people into group of Winnies, Tig...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Derrick Lord rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read Tao of Pooh right around 1983 or so and usually it is one of the first books I mention when I am talking about my favorites. I was just out of high school and had recently been diagnosed with OCPD and was given the book as a birthday gift.

From WIKI:

Taoist propriety and ethics may vary depending on the particular school, but in general tends to emphasize wu-wei (action through non-action), "naturalness", simplicity, and spontaneity.

Which I think makes clear why someone with OCPD would be...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bookcrossing

The Tao of Pooh
This is one amazing little book! It's so calm, simple and inspiring I wanted to start reading it again as soon as I finished it! This book can definitely change your life: it's so uplifting! What I found really interesting when reading reviews here and there is how everyone identifies with a different chapter from the book, a different character. The book really has something to offer to each and everyone of us, it echoes our own personal experiences. My favourite chapters must be...more

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May 22, 2010 Stephen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2006-reads, religious-studies

2006 wrote: Refreshing to say the least. Who couldn't gain something from being explained Taoist thoughts and beliefs. Although I find Taoism to be a Utopian dream, valuable but, for the time being, impracticle, i feel there is something to be said for ideas like P'u, or the uncarved block. I do not want to be an uncarved block; I wish to concern myself with real world happenings and test myself with problems and even misgivings and be defined to the last detail by the end. The artist in me know...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this in the summer of 1990 and understood Taoism much better than I did in my philosophy class. A very cool little read.

Following a very busy, difficult school year, I thought a little review of a world view focused on remaining calm in all situations wouldn't be a bad idea.

Yep, still a very enjoyable little book that reminds you of the strength, courage and power of self, the universe and of nothing. On to the Te of Piglet.

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Jan 10, 2009 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.

The Way, way of the universe, it's natural balance harmony retreats with man's interference.

Through working in harmony with life's circumstances, taoist understanding changes what other perceive as negative into something positive.

When you know and respect your own inner nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don't belong.

WuWei (the pooh w...more

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Feb 01, 2011 Adam rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: orient

Quick, somewhat charming read wherein the basic concepts of the Tao are illustrated via tales pulled from the Pooh-centric books. Clever idea, works well, however, the author's skill does cause some confusion. Switching from author narrative to quoted Pooh text is clear enough, however, disengaging from the quote is sometimes often confusing. Some formatting choices cause confusion too such as when double spacing betwixt paragraphs should and should not occur. And for an uptick, original Pooh-st...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Jack rated it 4 of 5 stars

An interesting little book that makes a very good introduction to the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) using Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne to explain Daoisn in a manner that the Western mind might find easier to comprehend.

Many people interpret the Tao title as "The Way of Virtue" but, as one person observed (whose name escapes me at the moment), a rock has Te because it is hard by virtue of being a rock. A better title for it would be "The way things are and their consequences."

Pooh seems a simpleton a...more

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Aug 30, 2007 Clint rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: incredibly-fucking-awful

As if the Tao of Pooh weren't enough, the Te of Piglet had to come along. And as if that weren't enough, there's a boxed set. A boxed set?! This is not the Velevet Underground, this is self-consciously wacky pseudo philisophical bullshit! Where's my razors, I feel the urge to flee this world for good.

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Jun 14, 2012 William Li rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that I thought was both brilliant and life-changing, when I was in 8th grade. Over the years, I have used it as a reference from time to time about this idea or that. As an Americanized perspective on Taoist philosophy it is passable, and it fares well compared to other writing of the "serious writing about pop culture" variety (eg The Matrix or Harry Potter as Christian allegory). But it had been a while since I retread the whole thing cover to cover and it just does not thrill m...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Gerry Haines rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: philosophy

This is a charming set - 2 books in one. in the first, Hoff sets out to explain Taoism , using one of the most familiar works of literature in the English language.

Using the stories of Winnie the Pooh, our author introduces us to the Taoist's take on Education, Wealth, Science Politics and many other subjects.

The second book explains some of the themes in the first book in more detail.

In a culture that rates people by what they own, instead of what they are, this book shows a refreshing alterna...more

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May 28, 2012 Sushan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The problem with reading two books in one is that I can't rate them separately. The Tao of Pooh is a very clever and enjoyable introduction to Taoism and even though I don't agree with all the ideas I would happily recommend it. However, The Te of Piglet is just a lengthy rant about everything that annoys Hoff including (but not limited to) feminists, scientists, Eeyore, computers, microwaves, Eeyore, critics, the army, Eeyore, doctors, government and did I mention Eeyore? Incredibly preachy and...more

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Oct 25, 2008 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

everyone should read this

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Mar 15, 2011 Joe rated it 3 of 5 stars

First of all, I only read the Tao of Pooh although Good Reads lists it as a part of a 2-volume set. I expected to be a big fan of this book, but I was a little disappointed. It's a nice idea to explain Taoism in the context of a familiar character like Winnie the Pooh but I found the text to be a little too undirected and sometimes confusing. The author makes an argument for Pooh as a true Taoist sage, but sometimes his examples feel a little off the mark. I still enjoyed it and would recommend...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Sach Singh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Perfect books! The Tao of Pooh really does offer a good introduction to Taoist philosophies and in a way which is lighthearted and easy to understand. The Te of Piglet advances a bit, as far as social commentary and eastern philosophy are concerned. It is not accurate to consider Te of Piglet a sequel to Tao of Pooh. I feel they're pretty different from each other. The author's tone seems to be more earnest and the message is a bit heavier (in The Te of Piglet). Nevertheless, I enjoyed both of t...more

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Jan 02, 2010 Forest rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tao of Pooh: A magnificent presentation of Taoism stripped to a childhood perspective.

Te of Piglet:

In the chapter "Eyore effect" there may be a catch 22 in the way the author criticizes critics and then furthers the chapter by criticizing society (a society full of critics). "Perhaps Tao of Pooh" triumphs in its lack of critical judgement of society (American society in particular). "Tao of Pooh" may also triumph over the Te for its lack of direct quotes from western authors. The quotes doo supp...more Tao of Pooh: A magnificent presentation of Taoism stripped to a childhood perspective.

Te of Piglet:

In the chapter "Eyore effect" there may be a catch 22 in the way the author criticizes critics and then furthers the chapter by criticizing society (a society full of critics). "Perhaps Tao of Pooh" triumphs in its lack of critical judgement of society (American society in particular). "Tao of Pooh" may also triumph over the Te for its lack of direct quotes from western authors. The quotes doo support themes, however are in line with western writing style of justification. Perhaps both the criticism and quotes are there as the book is directed at westerners looking for these things in a read.

Favorite Passages: Tao of Pooh: "When we learn to work with our own Inner Nature, and with the natural laws operating around us... ...we work with the natural order of things and operate on the principal of minimal effort. Since the natural world follows that priciple, it does not make mistakes." ~pg69 The Chinese story of the Stonecutter ~ pg118 "Many people are afraid of Emptiness, however, because it reminds them of Loneliness. Everthing has to be filled in it seems."
The Te of Piglet: "So not even the perfected spirits were able to restore the wholeness of truth, because of interference by the human ego."~pg16 "But that You you want to see, is not you and will never be. No one else will ever do, the special things that wait inside of you." ~pg51 The story of the Critic (Terrific Thunderstorm) ~Pg68. "An Archer competing for a clay vessel shoorts effortlessly, his skill and concentration unimpeded. If the price is changed to a brass ornament, his hands begin to shake. If it is changed to gold, he squints as if going blind. His abilities do not deteriorate, but his belief in them does, as he allows the supposed value of an external reward cloud his vision." ~pg110 The chinese story of the monkeys and the grasshoppers.~pg192 CH28 TTC"Know the masculine, but keep to the feminine. Become a river, to all under heaven, as a river flows, move in constant virtue; return to the infant state. Know the light, but keep to the shadow. Become a pattern, to all under heaven. As a pattern repeats itself, act in constant virtue; return to the beginning. Know the hight, but keep to the low. Become a valley, to all under heaven. as a valley provides in abundance, give in constant virtue; Return to natural simplicity." ~Pg.100 "Turn the Negative into Positive. Attract positive with positive"~pg234 "If a great master ruled the empire, he would stimulate the minds of the people by working in harmony with them,..."~pg243 Satyagraha, or truth power ~MKGhandi~pg245
AND MY FAVORITE "Nothing is more yielding and gentle than water." ~pg247 "Yield and prevail. Bend and be straightenend. Empty and be filled... the great man embraces the One, and becomes it's model to the empire. Not showing off, he shines. Not asserting himself, he becomes known. Not taking credit, he is acclaimed. Not boasting, he endures. He does not strive against others, so others do not contend with him. The ancients said, 'Yield and Prevail." Is that a worthless sa¥ing? put it into practice, and all things will come to you." ~pg248(less)

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Jul 28, 2008 Manzoid rated it 4 of 5 stars

In "The Tao of Pooh", Benjamin Hoff uses the personalities of the characters in A. A. Milne's tales to illustrate Taoism alongside some competing worldviews.

The characters can divided into 3 categories of personality and philosophy: Rabbit/Owl, Eeyore, and Pooh.

Rabbit quickly develops and executes clever action plans that don't capture the essence of a given situation and usually go awry. Similar to Rabbit in terms of being too clever by half, Owl pontificates and analyzes and never actually d...more In "The Tao of Pooh", Benjamin Hoff uses the personalities of the characters in A. A. Milne's tales to illustrate Taoism alongside some competing worldviews.

The characters can divided into 3 categories of personality and philosophy: Rabbit/Owl, Eeyore, and Pooh.

Rabbit quickly develops and executes clever action plans that don't capture the essence of a given situation and usually go awry. Similar to Rabbit in terms of being too clever by half, Owl pontificates and analyzes and never actually does anything. Eeyore is also clever in his own way, but interprets everything negatively and is bitter and ineffectual. Whereas Pooh ambles along without the brains of the others, but with a stout heart, and muddles through to contentment.

Rabbit/Owl together embody logical analysis, clever planning, and ceaseless but largely misdirected hard work. The aim of all their analysis and effort is to exert maximum control over outcomes by actively 'understanding' and intervening in every situation. In the Eastern tradition, this approach corresponds to Confucianism, a very rigid and circumscribed approach to achieving harmony. In the Western tradition, the Rabbit/Owl approach seems very familiar, as the general attempt to organize and control our physical and social environments with logical tools and techniques is integral to the Western experience. The Rabbit/Owl approach regrets the past and worries about the future.

Eeyore represents knowing resignation. The aim of this hopelessness, and the ensuing lack of commitment and activity, is to shield oneself emotionally from the risk and reality of failure. In the Eastern tradition, this approach corresponds to Buddhism, which counsels that our world is illusion and suffering, and the best response is to actively disengage from it all. In the Western tradition, the Eeyore approach can be construed as loosely analogous to the easy cynicism and disengagement of the many people who are alienated by the overbearing and omnipresent Rabbit/Owl aspects of society. The Eeyore approach sees endless failure in the past and inevitable failure in the future.

Pooh, on the other hand, embodies warm-hearted, inclusive, and spirited enjoyment of what's happening in the moment. He unconsciously embodies the fact that we cannot control the infinitely complex interplay of forces and events out there, so the healthiest response to this overwhelming reality is to be true to our inner nature and in so doing, accept being part of the great flow of things. In the Eastern tradition, Pooh's approach is Taoist. He does not worry about the past. He does not worry about the future. He simply is himself, now, enthusiastically. He is simply honest and true to his friends and to his own nature. To Pooh, 'things are as they are', and do not need constant worry, analysis, self-doubt, and striving, unlike the flustered Confucian-Rabbits. But at the same time, he is quite engaged in the world, unlike the fatalistic Buddhist-Eeyores. When he wants hunny, he goes about getting it, quite tenaciously at times. When he wants to help a drowning Roo or Eeyore, he rushes to save them with whatever's handy. And so on.

"The Tao of Pooh" is overall a charming read. Hoff does a good job of maintaining the whimsical tone of the original Pooh tales, painlessly conveying some fairly abstruse concepts about the nature of reality and perception.

To be fair, it should be noted that there's a bit of apocalyptic sermonizing at the very end, to the effect that the Owls and Rabbits of the world will destroy everything if we don't learn a better way to be. Also some readers will construe Hoff's periodic mild teasing of the Rabbit/Owl way as irritating intolerance, hypocritically un-Taoist. Personally, I do not take his teasing that way at all; Taoist hermits probably did not show much deference to the great Confucian bureaucrats of their day! To me, these are minor and forgivable blemishes in a book that otherwise has a deft, light touch, though not as light as the childlike wisdom of the Way that it hopes to explain.(less)

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Aug 12, 2010 Jim Kennedy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a review of two books: the Tao of Pooh i would give 5 stars, while the Te of Piglet 3 stars.

The Tao of Pooh is a charming, simple application of Pooh Bear (The Uncarved Block) and the other famous A.A. Milne characters to the central tenets of Taoism.

The Te of Piglet is a bit of a rant against the perils of *not* following the way of Tao. And as such loses a lot of the charm of the other book. Though I'm glad to say Piglet comes out of it well enough in the end :)

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Apr 27, 2011 Benjamin Duffy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I think this is one of those works that I would have enjoyed more if I'd read it in my teens or twenties rather than my thirties (I didn't). Or that I would have found more profound if it were my first introduction to Taoism (it wasn't). Much like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, I came upon these books too late for my own good, as a grouchy, jaded, grown-ass man. And as such, The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet just struck me as being not nearly as clever as they seemed to think th...more

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Jan 14, 2009 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Pooh and the gang and this introduction to Taoist philosophy. The older I get, the more I see the benefits of flow vs. resistance, especially regarding emotions and the ups and downs of daily life. However, there are certainly situations in which activity trumps passivity, and I think it's important to accept the "Rabbit" personality (that is part of many of us) as well as the laid-back Pooh bear. Overall, this is a creative and wonderful book.

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Jul 01, 2012 Paulia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, self-helps, read-in-2012

The Tao of Pooh: a concise and straight to the point look at Taoism using the characters of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate Taoism. Are we like Owl believing everything in life can be learned through books or like Rabbit the 'Bisy Backsons' of society? Or like ... well one gets the point.

The 2nd book the Te of Piglet is a more detailed elaboration on Taoism with many excerpts from The Tao Te Ching, by Lao-tzu; with many stories as examples of the principles of Taoism. Never underestimate the coura...more

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Sep 20, 2011 JR Specht rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hoff makes the works of Lao Tzu and his teachings of Taoism understandable to the Western reader by relating it to the greatest Western Taoist of them all, Winnie-the-Pooh. This book is more than just a dull analysis of a belief system. Pooh is actually an active member of the story, often commenting on what Hoff says. This book is a bridge to Eastern belief systems for anyone interested in such enlightenment.

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Dec 27, 2008 TrenTren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Read a ga-gillion times over the years- in little 'pick up off the shelf' 20 minute increments. Winnie the Pooh- my favorite fictional character, his little stuffly nose voice, his hunny bunny belly and his whistlin' right along attitude---I TRY to be like that and it sadly, comes and goes like the wind. Heartwarming and sweet and true, everyone should really, really own a copy of this book.

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Jul 31, 2008 Skyler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant.

My first book on Eastern philosophy, and it will probably hold a special place forever. This is a charming walk through basic concepts of Confucianism, Buddhism, and (of course) Taoism. By using many examples from A. A. Milne's books and crafting a few first-person interactions with the characters himself, Hoff relates the brilliant simplicity of Taoist life.

This book is extremely easy to read and an excellent starter philosophy book for anyone, even 'tweens. While I do not consider my...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Michael Scott rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, thought

This is a simple book about the complexity of life, a short write about everything, a... I'd better stop. This book just is. It doesn't care about being good, or truthful, or ... I'd really better stop. Easy read, mostly fun---except for some takes on 1950s-contemporary youths---. Now I gotta read The Pooh's stories and ... I'd really really stop. There, *you* read this Interesting Book

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Jul 12, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spiritual

This book changed my life. It was suggested to be my college World Religions professor and I am so thankful. It is the perfect introduction to Taoism told in a funny and carefree way (which is very suitable for Taoism) through Winnie the Pooh, his friends and the author. It was brilliant and makes it easy to understand the essentials of Taoism. I love it and have read it several times.

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Jan 19, 2009 Jacee rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite books! It provides an erie comparison of personalities I see everyday to the main characters of Winnie the Pooh, while also tying in proverbs and teaching of the Taoist religion. The crazy thing is that most of it actually fits! It's an entertaining read that I've re-read a number of times especially when I am feeling lost within the world's turmoil.

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Jul 12, 2009 Claire rated it 1 of 5 stars

The best points of this book were the excerpts from Winnie the Pooh. Though I know the author wrote the book to simplify Taoism for those of us (ie me) who have not concept of it, I had the distinct impression that he oversimplified it. He basically condemned the pursuit of knowledge and any sort of goals in favor of "simplemindedness" and simply enjoying everyday life.

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About Benjamin Hoff

Benjamin Hoff is an author based in the United States. The two books he is proud of are The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet. Hoff has an essay online:
http://www.benjaminhoffauthor.com/ This is the only website he has officially endorsed or been involved with.

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Books by Benjamin Hoff

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“But down through the centuries, man has developed a mind that separates him from the world of reality, the world of natural laws. This mind tries too hard, wears itself out, and ends up weak and sloppy. Such a mind, even if of high intelligence, is inefficient. It drives down the street in a fast-moving car and thinks its at the store, going over a grocery list. Then it wonders why accidents occur.” — 5 people liked it

“Cleverness, after all, has its limitations. Its mechanical judgments and clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn't look very deeply into things to begin with” — 5 people liked it

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