A Childlike Wisdom: The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

Personal Rating:

The Tao of Pooh is an introduction to Taoism for Westerners explained through the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh. 

It all started when the author Benjamin Hoff observed that the English language writings about Taoist philosophy often miss the point. According to him, they are more concerned with “bickering over minute particulars” than telling the idea for what it is. So Hoff, who studied Asian Culture, thought to do something about it. 

He got the idea to use the well-loved characters of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to explain Taoism most simply — in the child-like and humorous way Taoism has always been. Before this, the principles of Taoism were not widely understood. But since then, The Tao of Pooh has become a valuable resource for the academe and businesses, and in psychology and arts and sports. The book was a New York Times Bestseller for 49 weeks! 

Parables and Pictures

The Tao of Pooh is divided into nine chapters, a foreword, an afterword, and Ernest Shepard’s wonderful illustrations in between. There are also parables from known Taoist philosophers like Chuang-Tse and other traditional Chinese short stories. 

I especially like these old Chinese stories that the author interpreted in the book. They add more depth to understanding the topic, plus they are funny, witty, and thought-provoking.

Taoism has developed into many forms through the years and has been adapted into different folk religions. The book is not, however, a thorough exploration of the whole Taoism yet. Instead, it focuses only on the general principles in everyday life (happiness, harmony, and balance with the universal laws). 

For me, though, the book arrived at the perfect time. I have only surface knowledge on the subject, and I hope to learn more. I am looking for something spiritual but not forceful—helpful instead of preachy. The book became a worthwhile transition for this personal goal.

There’s so much and so little I can say about this book. This book is at once easy and challenging. Easy – in the way that the sentences flow effortlessly. And challenging in the sense that a million thoughts and questions pop up in my mind every after one paragraph. 

The Tao of Pooh is the first book I’ve read by Benjamin Hoff, but I already know I want to write the way he does. I also plan to read the companion book, The Te of Piglet, soon. 

A Children’s Book for Adults

As mentioned, The Tao of Pooh is written in the philosophy of Taoism. No frills and complex words. That’s why the book reminded me of ELI5 (Explain Like I’m Five). ELI5 is an internet term that means to explain something in a way a 5-year-old would understand. 

It goes something like this:

Me: ELI5 – What is Taoism?

Benjamin Hoff, probably: It’s becoming as natural and straightforward as Pooh. Not fretful like Eeyore, not hesitant like Piglet, not stubborn like Rabbit. But still and effortlessly calm like Pooh. 

The message is: like our beloved bear, Taoism is becoming an uncarved block. The reflective. The undisturbed. The Tao of Pooh has that charming, humorous, matter-of-fact quality of children’s books and stories. The kind that makes you realize – Why am I overcomplicating things?

I think the idea of incorporating a challenging philosophical topic with a children’s story is genius. The analogies make sense! No wonder the book was a success.

In other words, if one is going to write a book about Taoism, it would be best to put the virtue into practice. Because, after all, the simplest answer is always the most correct.