The Tao of Pooh (Summary)
Why is the 'bear of very little brain' the wisest one in the Hundred Acre Wood? While Rabbit bustles with frantic plans, Owl pontificates with useless knowledge, and Eeyore wallows in pessimism, Winnie-the-Pooh simply is. He stumbles upon more profound truths by humming a tune and looking for honey than the others do with all their frantic effort. This isn't an accident; it's the central secret of Taoism.
Embrace 'The Pooh Way' of Effortless Action
The core Taoist principle of Wu Wei, or effortless action, is about acting in harmony with the natural flow of things, rather than forcing outcomes through strain and excessive effort. It's about being, not trying.
When Pooh and his friends get lost in a sand pit, Rabbit, the 'clever' one, insists on marching in circles, trying to force a solution. Pooh, by simply following his instincts and letting his feet find the way home to lunch, effortlessly leads them all to safety.
Discover the Power of the Uncarved Block
Taoism values simplicity and naturalness, represented by the concept of P'u, the uncarved block. Things in their original, simple state contain their own natural power, which is lost when we over-complicate them with intellect or ambition.
Pooh is the ultimate Uncarved Block. He doesn't try to be clever or important; he is simply a bear who likes honey. This simplicity allows him to see things clearly and be content, unlike Owl, who fills his head with complex but useless knowledge and can't even spell his own name correctly.
Beware the 'Bisy Backson'
Hoff coins the term 'Bisy Backson' for someone who is always rushing to be somewhere they aren't, sacrificing present happiness for a future reward that never seems to arrive. This constant, anxious striving is the opposite of the Taoist ideal.
Rabbit is the quintessential Bisy Backson. He's always busy with 'Important Things,' creating schedules and plans, but he's too stressed and preoccupied to enjoy the simple moments, like a friendly visit from Pooh. He's constantly working but never truly accomplishing peace of mind.
Know Your Own Inner Nature
The 'Cottleston Pie Principle,' based on one of Pooh's songs, means understanding and accepting your own nature and its limitations. True wisdom and happiness come from knowing who you are and not trying to be something you're not.
Tigger's inner nature is to bounce. When Rabbit forces him to stop bouncing, Tigger becomes depressed and lethargic. Only when he is allowed to be himself again does his vitality return. The principle teaches that trying to force a Tigger to act like a Rabbit is a recipe for misery.
