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The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart
Born in small-town Texas during the Great Depression, Willie Nelson was raised to believe in helping his neighbors and living without pretense. After many hardscrabble years as a poorly paid songwriter (often watching his work become a gold mine for other performers), Willie finally found his own voice—the gentle but unmistakably honest sound that has made him an American icon. Now the master of harmonization has created a guide to finding harmony in everyday life. Featuring vignettes from each chapter of his seventy-plus years (along with plenty of his favorite jokes), The Tao of Willie captures his views on money, love, war, religion, cowboys, and other essential Willie topics. Loosely based on the principles of the Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Cheng, which Willie has admired and followed for much of his adult life, this inspiring and entertaining collection of "Willie wisdom" takes us from his roadhouse days, when he united redneck rockers with straitlaced country music fans, to the mega-sized benefit concerts and environmentalism that define his boundless heart. In the spirit of his fellow Texan Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, Willie's timeless insights sparkle with It's like having a one-on-one conversation with the sage himself.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
107 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
About the author
Willie Nelson
132 books334 followersWillie Hugh Nelson is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and notorious country music singers. He reached his greatest fame during the so-called "outlaw country" movement of the 1970s, but remains iconic, especially in American popular culture. In recent years he has continued to tour, record, and perform, and this, combined with activities in advocacy of cannabis, as well as a well-publicized 2006 arrest for cannabis possession, have made him the subject of renewed media attention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
April 12, 2024
Willie mingles stories, jokes and adages with a collection of lessons he has learned in this life.
Loosely based on the Tao Te Ching, Nelson advocates incorporating into one's life the teachings of that ancient work. But while the Tao inspired this book, Nelson's charming, often humorous tales of his Texan childhood, cowboy lifestyle, and famous friends make the book, which is rooted as much in down-home common sense as it is in mystical philosophy.
Nelson also shares his views on subjects like marijuana, the environment, exercise, sex and relationships, possessions and taxes, fatherhood and war.
- Steven D. -
Loosely based on the Tao Te Ching, Nelson advocates incorporating into one's life the teachings of that ancient work. But while the Tao inspired this book, Nelson's charming, often humorous tales of his Texan childhood, cowboy lifestyle, and famous friends make the book, which is rooted as much in down-home common sense as it is in mystical philosophy.
Nelson also shares his views on subjects like marijuana, the environment, exercise, sex and relationships, possessions and taxes, fatherhood and war.
- Steven D. -
September 2, 2018
A little book that doesn't say anything you haven't heard before and basically boils down to "Don't be a dick to yourself or others". Although it's a well-worn message, it's a good one and it never hurts to be reminded of it now and then.
June 19, 2022
This is the June, 2022 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.
This was my first audiobook and I enjoyed the Texas accents and Willie's music in it.
This was my first audiobook and I enjoyed the Texas accents and Willie's music in it.
September 15, 2022
I read Willie Nelson's autobiography and was impressed by how thoughtful he is. The Tao of Willie is not actually as thoughtful as the biography, although it does cover some of the same ideas. What I learned this time around is that he loves jokes, and has a huge memory store of funny lines, many of which were repeated here. I laughed out loud at some of the them; to be honest, I thought that was the best part of the book.
His philosophical ideas about how to live are all thoughts that have been expressed many ways over the years: The Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you), treat people with respect, remember the importance of love, embrace your family as the foundation of your life. If we all lived that way, the 'battles' of life would be over, but it served as a good reminder to keep your eye on what's important, as opposed to what we are told is important in a consumer society.
After the jokes and the advice on good living, we got a section on golf - of course, he's obsessed - and stories about being on the road again with his beloved road crew, and his belief in biofuels. It wasn't so much that he repeated himself, but that he reiterated his beliefs with each group of stories. He seems like he's a kind man, I know he's a great songwriter, and he tells highly amusing jokes. It was worth the read.
His philosophical ideas about how to live are all thoughts that have been expressed many ways over the years: The Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you), treat people with respect, remember the importance of love, embrace your family as the foundation of your life. If we all lived that way, the 'battles' of life would be over, but it served as a good reminder to keep your eye on what's important, as opposed to what we are told is important in a consumer society.
After the jokes and the advice on good living, we got a section on golf - of course, he's obsessed - and stories about being on the road again with his beloved road crew, and his belief in biofuels. It wasn't so much that he repeated himself, but that he reiterated his beliefs with each group of stories. He seems like he's a kind man, I know he's a great songwriter, and he tells highly amusing jokes. It was worth the read.
February 21, 2021
Willie’s witty words of wisdom were written way back in 2007 in what now seems innocent times. I mean: people back then really thought George Bush Jr. was the worst possible American president ever. Somehow Willie's words found their way through a book shop in Ghent to my heart. Praise be! Of course, Willie is a sage. You don’t need books to know that. Then again, why not?
Willie Nelson is a walking contradiction: cowboy and Indian, redneck and hipster. Willie is yin AND yang, a wise American (that in itself is a contradiction in many parts of the world), an intelligent country singer (same), etcetera.
The road goes on forever.
So what does Willie have to say? Not much. The truth doesn’t need many words. It’s love and compassion. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not very original, I’m afraid. But that’s not the point. The point is, the point is pointy. It’s wisdom. Willie knows.
About halfway through the book Willie has made his point and he seems to know it. The remainder if filled up with rather random musings on golf, marriage, bio diesel and how great America is. Fun for fans, but not very compelling, although Willie does crack a few good jokes along the way.
In 2007 his friend and co-writer Turk Pipkin ventured that Willie might be the only who could bring Democrats and Republicans together (though he didn’t advise that we hold our breath on it).
I wonder how Willie fares now.
Let Willie be your guide. There are worse!
Willie Nelson is a walking contradiction: cowboy and Indian, redneck and hipster. Willie is yin AND yang, a wise American (that in itself is a contradiction in many parts of the world), an intelligent country singer (same), etcetera.
The road goes on forever.
So what does Willie have to say? Not much. The truth doesn’t need many words. It’s love and compassion. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not very original, I’m afraid. But that’s not the point. The point is, the point is pointy. It’s wisdom. Willie knows.
About halfway through the book Willie has made his point and he seems to know it. The remainder if filled up with rather random musings on golf, marriage, bio diesel and how great America is. Fun for fans, but not very compelling, although Willie does crack a few good jokes along the way.
In 2007 his friend and co-writer Turk Pipkin ventured that Willie might be the only who could bring Democrats and Republicans together (though he didn’t advise that we hold our breath on it).
I wonder how Willie fares now.
Let Willie be your guide. There are worse!
December 11, 2008
"If you love music, then you are my friend. And furthermore, ...it's good to have lots of friends." -- Willie Nelson
I've loved Willie's music ever since I first heard Red Headed Stranger, then Phases and Stages. I delved into his earlier music and loved it all, too. Then forward into the present, and it's great, too. This little book is Willie's pithy take on living a good, real, honest life. Willie led me to Townes Van Zandt who, with his philosophy: "Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies . . . like a banana" -- helped me 'lighten up.'
I say, what's not to love about Willie, his family, his music, and his friends.
I've loved Willie's music ever since I first heard Red Headed Stranger, then Phases and Stages. I delved into his earlier music and loved it all, too. Then forward into the present, and it's great, too. This little book is Willie's pithy take on living a good, real, honest life. Willie led me to Townes Van Zandt who, with his philosophy: "Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies . . . like a banana" -- helped me 'lighten up.'
I say, what's not to love about Willie, his family, his music, and his friends.
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October 24, 2024I have my doubts about whether Willie actually wrote even half of this book, but that’s okay. It has enough Willie-flavored stories and brain droppings to be satisfying, not to mention the jokes that are definitely Willie contributions. As a book, this is a hodgepodge of Taoist philosophy, autobiography, anecdotes, and like I said, jokes. It’s far from essential reading but entertaining and thought-provoking enough to make it worthwhile for anyone who has a soft spot for Willie.
April 12, 2014
Willie Nelson muses on nearly everything. Willie tells autobiographical stories about growing up in Abbott, Texas with his sister and life-long musical partner, Bobbie. When not writing about his personal life, Willie discusses politics. His views on some topics are well-known (family farms vs. corporate farms) and other topics may be news to readers (the Electoral College). Although Willie shares his opinions on politics, he devotes the largest sections of the book to his two great loves, golf and music. Because of Willie’s long and illustrious career, he has excellent stories and insights into the music industry. What makes this book different is Willie discusses each topic through the lens of Taoist philosophy. Do not expect stellar scholarship of Taoism; this book offers a very simple overview. In case the book becomes too serious, Willie intersperses jokes throughout the book. The jokes are appropriately corny and easy to retell. Verdict: Willie is entertaining and has a folksy wisdom. He stresses positive feelings and happiness or as they say in country music, “Keep on the Sunny Side.”
December 2, 2011
Willie Nelson is the greatest living American philosopher. Willie Nelson is the cure for European Existentialism (or nihilism of any variety). Willie Nelson is the cure for Judeo-Christian-Islamist fundamentalism and it variants. Willie Nelson is the cure for materialist neo-fascism masquerading as patriotism in America today. He is on the middle path. He is able to laugh at himself before anyone else gets the chance to do so. He is love. He has written more than 2500 songs - just listen to 100 of them and you'll see (Start with Being Green).
That said, this collection of homespun hippie cowboy ancedotes isn't too bad, but it is not Plato's Cave either. Worth a read if your in a rush or a bad mood.
That said, this collection of homespun hippie cowboy ancedotes isn't too bad, but it is not Plato's Cave either. Worth a read if your in a rush or a bad mood.
July 3, 2021
Overall, I quite liked this book. I've always had a good feeling about Willie Nelson, and this book showed me a lot of what makes him tick in ways that reinforce that good feeling. I picked it up as a break from some heavier reading, and I'm glad I did; it was refreshing. (The other reading isn't heavy in a bad way; it just requires a lot of cognitive work.)
There are a few moments -- mostly at the end -- where Willie and Turk insert some of what must be Willie's pet notions in a way that feels slightly pushy and out of place, but with a bit of toning down, including not devoting a whole chapter (each) to a couple of them, they could have been smoothly rolled into the whole thing in a much more natural way that would feel better and perhaps reach more people with their positive intentions. Ignoring those missteps, though, it is a great journey through some (perhaps a bit romanticized) history and attitudes of Willie Nelson's, with a surprising depth of understanding and wisdom, even if not rivalling the greatest examples of understanding and wisdom I've found in other texts over the years.
It's broken up into easily digested, natural pieces for most of the book. It's very easy reading, with a welcoming tone and generous sprinklings of levity. It does a lot to demonstrate where common illusions of extremes can be brought together to show people have more in common with each other than they may think. A few moments of obviously not-well-examined conventionality show through to mar the smoothness, but they're pretty mild and, given dominant culture, understandable.
I enjoyed the book a lot, and I think a lot of other people could as well. It also prompted me to take some notes, which is a very good sign for a light-hearted book like this.
There are a few moments -- mostly at the end -- where Willie and Turk insert some of what must be Willie's pet notions in a way that feels slightly pushy and out of place, but with a bit of toning down, including not devoting a whole chapter (each) to a couple of them, they could have been smoothly rolled into the whole thing in a much more natural way that would feel better and perhaps reach more people with their positive intentions. Ignoring those missteps, though, it is a great journey through some (perhaps a bit romanticized) history and attitudes of Willie Nelson's, with a surprising depth of understanding and wisdom, even if not rivalling the greatest examples of understanding and wisdom I've found in other texts over the years.
It's broken up into easily digested, natural pieces for most of the book. It's very easy reading, with a welcoming tone and generous sprinklings of levity. It does a lot to demonstrate where common illusions of extremes can be brought together to show people have more in common with each other than they may think. A few moments of obviously not-well-examined conventionality show through to mar the smoothness, but they're pretty mild and, given dominant culture, understandable.
I enjoyed the book a lot, and I think a lot of other people could as well. It also prompted me to take some notes, which is a very good sign for a light-hearted book like this.
March 23, 2025
Willie is a national treasure I love him
Some favorite quotes:
“There were two kinds of culture in Abbott when I was a boy—one was agriculture and the other was yogurt.”
“Willie had helped to heal one of America’s greatest divides by inspiring hippies and rednecks to realize they weren’t all that different from each other. The next thing we knew, the rednecks had grown their hair out, the hippies were wearing boots, and you couldn’t tell them apart anymore.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the world’s lovers are not with their first choice. That’s what makes the jukebox play.”
“I’ve been asked a thousand times how I could sell a great song for fifty bucks, and the answer is pretty simple. I really needed fifty bucks.”
“I am the only person who can set myself free from what might have been.”
“The holy fool’s version of the Golden Rule would be, ‘Undo the others, and maybe they’ll undo you right back again.’”
“If an inner voice says, ‘Tell Gator to stop the bus on the next overpass so I can determine whether I can fly or not,’ then I’ll probably have a cup of coffee and choose to listen to some other voice.”
Some favorite quotes:
“There were two kinds of culture in Abbott when I was a boy—one was agriculture and the other was yogurt.”
“Willie had helped to heal one of America’s greatest divides by inspiring hippies and rednecks to realize they weren’t all that different from each other. The next thing we knew, the rednecks had grown their hair out, the hippies were wearing boots, and you couldn’t tell them apart anymore.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the world’s lovers are not with their first choice. That’s what makes the jukebox play.”
“I’ve been asked a thousand times how I could sell a great song for fifty bucks, and the answer is pretty simple. I really needed fifty bucks.”
“I am the only person who can set myself free from what might have been.”
“The holy fool’s version of the Golden Rule would be, ‘Undo the others, and maybe they’ll undo you right back again.’”
“If an inner voice says, ‘Tell Gator to stop the bus on the next overpass so I can determine whether I can fly or not,’ then I’ll probably have a cup of coffee and choose to listen to some other voice.”
February 13, 2018
Thoughtful, engaging, funny, and surprisingly wise, Willie Nelson muses on damn near everything in this book: music, Texas, women, politics, golf, yoga, wandering, patriotism, biodiesel, his bandmates, his friends, his family, and his neighbors in Hawai'i.
Surprisingly, he even talks about cannabis. Who would've ever imagined Willie Nelson was a pothead?
Oh right. Everyone.
Surprisingly, he even talks about cannabis. Who would've ever imagined Willie Nelson was a pothead?
Oh right. Everyone.
March 23, 2022
Super quick read full of anecdotes form Willie’s life and the philosophy of what was learned from them. Nothing too fancy, but I enjoyed it.
Willie’s principles on life are simple: take care of yourself when you can but also let loose every once in a while, don’t be a dick but know when to give someone a taste of their own medicine, and above all learn to laugh and know that there is no cap on love. This book is all about creating and finding balance in your life, and I respect that.
Willie’s principles on life are simple: take care of yourself when you can but also let loose every once in a while, don’t be a dick but know when to give someone a taste of their own medicine, and above all learn to laugh and know that there is no cap on love. This book is all about creating and finding balance in your life, and I respect that.
June 5, 2021
I loved this book. A simple message that will inspire you to live your best life. A few things I didn’t know about willie: he loves golf, the island of Maui and telling jokes. What did the Minnesotan say to the Michelin man? “Nice tan.”
December 18, 2019
LOVE WILLIE! His music and his books. He is alot more than just a singer/songwriter. Wish he was my dad.
May 3, 2024
Pushing your luck does not count as exercise.
Beautiful women are trouble, all women are beautiful.
Beautiful women are trouble, all women are beautiful.
June 1, 2023
Normally, this would not have been a book I would have thought about. However, a relative gave this to me and I got around to reading it. I'm glad I did! It gave me a chance to learn more about Willie Nelson. He is very personable, funny and insightful. The main points that struck me were:
1). Try to figure out what you love in life and do it. At that point, it no longer feels like work. You were made a certain way. Quit trying to be someone else and be yourself.
2). None of this works if you don't have love in your heart. No matter what religion you are or are not, if you don't operate out of love, you will lose.
3). Try to get active! Part of having a healthy mind is to have an active body. Go for a walk, do yoga, etc. Spend some time moving.
This guy is now 90 years old and still touring. His website has active tour dates this month. He does it because this is who he is and what he loves.
Find something you love!
1). Try to figure out what you love in life and do it. At that point, it no longer feels like work. You were made a certain way. Quit trying to be someone else and be yourself.
2). None of this works if you don't have love in your heart. No matter what religion you are or are not, if you don't operate out of love, you will lose.
3). Try to get active! Part of having a healthy mind is to have an active body. Go for a walk, do yoga, etc. Spend some time moving.
This guy is now 90 years old and still touring. His website has active tour dates this month. He does it because this is who he is and what he loves.
Find something you love!
December 21, 2017
As a friend said, this is The Book of Joy – Light. Many laugh-out-loud areas, and a lot of good aphorisms to live by. Willie Nelson has climbed higher on my Ladder of Esteem. One of the nice things about Taoism is one can be a Taoist (or Buddhist) AND (insert religion of choice). Willie is a Taoist and a Christian, and he has a delightful way of presenting the teaching of one, the other, or both (they aren't so different).
Highly recommend this book. Once you get it, Sit. Listen. Breathe. Dream. Renew. That's the Willie Way ;-).
Highly recommend this book. Once you get it, Sit. Listen. Breathe. Dream. Renew. That's the Willie Way ;-).
Want to read
September 21, 2007Found this interesting book at ACL Music Festival in Austin, TX last weekend along with some good music and good friends - all under one absolutely unforgiving sun. We baked that weekend...a lot like Willie :). The book is definitely a symbol for five days well spent..
December 11, 2017
I'm a huge Willie Nelson fan but I can't give this book more than 3 stars and have any self respect for myself as a Goodreads reviewer.
I imagine this book is just a collection of rambling rants somebody recorded on Willie's tour bus.
I imagine this book is just a collection of rambling rants somebody recorded on Willie's tour bus.
July 23, 2015
Love, love, love Willie...
May 14, 2022
Great outlook on life, Mr. Willie. Thank you for writing this.
May 30, 2022
A little wit, a little wisdom, and a lot of Willie. What else could you ask for in a little pick-me-up book like this?
June 29, 2022
This was a good read (pun intended). If you like Willie's music and all the rowdiness of his band, you are going to like reading and reflecting on his stories and advice.
September 7, 2023
I agree with every word he wrote. I feel like I gained a friend, and will probably re-read this again when life has me down. Thank you for your wisdom Willie.
October 14, 2023
A delightful book of Tao and Willie’s homespun wisdom. The best philosophy book I’ve read this year and the jokes are killer. I devoured this book.
November 6, 2023
Do you love Willie Nelson? Then read this. Don’t like Willie Nelson. Then read this.
December 13, 2023
Fun, entertaining book with stories told from the unique artist, Willie Nelson. Quick read - recommended for fans of Willie 👍🏻
June 24, 2020
To be perfectly blunt, this is NOT much in terms of an actual analysis of Taoism or The Tao, and any references to the Tao Te Ching are superficial at best. All of that said, I doubt that many people have actually read this book looking for a rigorous study of Taoism. Personally, I found it fascinating to just read some interesting anecdotes and life advice from one of my personal heroes, especially when his perspective is put through a slightly meditative, "Eastern" lens. Again, this isn't a book that seriously deals with Taoism, but it doesn't need to be. Rather, just enjoy it for Willie's insights, jokes, and positivity, with a few nice quotes from the Tao Te Ching thrown in for good measure.
July 29, 2019
I've been listening to Willie Nelson sing for most of my life. I've even been privileged to attend several Willie Nelson concerts in my life. He's written over 2,500 songs, and no one sings longer at concerts or more of their own songs than Willie. You always get your money's worth. I've read a few biographies and one autobiography. I enjoyed this book for the second time. Willie's philosophies are simple but profound, much like the man himself. He intertwines philosophy with humor and tells several (sometimes off color) jokes. All in all, it's a very entertaining read with some great advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews