One subject that we will discuss frequently on this blog is Winnie-the-Pooh. For instance, did you know that the name "Winnie" came from "Winnipeg", as in, the city in Canada? For now, though, let's focus on this short book I just read, called "The Tao of Pooh".

If you are like most people, you find reading books about philosophy, or general philosophizing for its own sake, insufferable. If at the same time you also enjoy experiencing mild enlightenment combined with nostalgia, "The Tao of Pooh" might be for you. The book aims to explain the core principles of Taoism through the character of Pooh. And overall, the author does a good job of doing just that in a fairly entertaining way.

Some positives of the book:

Hoff convincingly describes Western philosophy and dry academic writing as disciplines of exclusion. Works created seemingly for the purpose of using contrived and intelligent sounding language to elevate their authors and readers above the rabble. I felt this way when attempting to read many-a-work by Slavoj Zizek, Hegel, Kant, and others. I would repeatedly catch myself thinking "Am I dumb or is this guy just a pretentious asshole?"

In my experience, this fundamental confusion is rarely a problem when reading Eastern philosophy or books, such as the Tao of Pooh, that attempt to explain it. The meaning of the words themselves is seldom if ever obscured. What is not particularly clear is the meaning behind the words. I understand the quotes and the parables, but when it comes to applying those words and parables to real life, things get murky. For instance, Hoff challenges his readers to find the Enchanted Forest, which is a metaphor for a "happy place". He says 

"Just take the path to Nothing, and go No- where until you reach it. Because the Enchanted Place is right where you are, and if you're Friendly With Bears, you can find it"

Take the path to nothing and go nowhere, got it. Oh and be friendly with bears. That part I can do.

You know, I've met many people in my life who are taking the path to nothing and are going nowhere, and they are not a happy bunch. My big fear is that indeed I am on a path to nothing and going nowhere, so is the philosophy just being content with that fact? Other than at-times cryptic passages using over-simplified examples to describe obviously complicated concepts, and unnecessary and oddly-timed jabs at joggers and scientists, I thought this book was an enjoyable and very undemanding read. Certainly the most chill philosophy book you will read. You can knock it out in a couple of hours easily. Brew yourself some tea, let some light into your room, and enjoy learning about Tao through one of the most famous bears in the world, Winnie the Pooh.

Book can be found for free online here:

http://www.yourskypeschool.com/book_yss_eng/the-tao-of-pooh-by-benjamin-hoff.pdf