The Tao of Pooh

The book, The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff, does a brilliant job of portraying the characters from Winnie-the-pooh to relate to the principles and beliefs of Taoism. The author used a very different and interesting approach to introduce the religion in an easy comprehensible way. I thought that the use of the Winnie-the-pooh story line helped create an atmosphere that allowed me to grasp the concepts of Taoism easily. The most intriguing positive thing that I understood from the book was the way he portrayed the characters in a way that helped me visualize the characteristics that represented the characters.  For example he used the main character “Pooh” as a loveable and likeable character that is not shaped by the society around him. His personality is so easy going and original that he is able to get along with everyone because he does not try to fit in with society. Being himself allows him to do so. My reaction to the critique of America as a culture of “Busy Backsons” was agreeable with how the author portrayed America. I believe that people in society are sometimes unwillingly to accept change and rather focus on themselves rather than the community as a whole. Some people do not want to accept new ideas and change frankly because they rather stick to what they have already been taught. Society today is very fast paced and is always changing but sometimes I feel like we get caught up within ourselves, finances, and the advances of technology and have made it difficult for us to develop new ways of thinking and have also made it difficult for many to just actually live their lives. I also found that the author of Busy Backsons portrayed America’s culture as one that tries to make time for themselves when in all actuality there is no time because we focus on our jobs and other daily things that keep us busy. According to Taoism it is almost as if they believe that things will work out naturally by themselves and not to interfere because no matter what if it is supposed to happen it will. The way he portrayed Pooh was a prime example as a carefree bear that does things effortlessly and he feels like that things happen the way they do if you just let it. Which I think can be the solution to many of the problems that we Americans share.

Source: The Tao of Pooh..by: Benjamin Hoff