The Tao of Pooh & The Te of Piglet

I read this book late one night in a drafty garage three weeks ago when I was in California for my aunt's funeral. I read in the garage because there were people literally sleeping in every room of my dad's house---on the floors, in the hallways---it was impossible to find a place after 9:45 where I could turn a light on without disturbing anybody. It was the only thing I could find to do as my computer was out of juice and the only other reading material was a TIME magazine from the early 90s o [...]

The Tao of PoohThis is one amazing little book! It's so calm, simple and inspiring I wanted to start reading it again as soon as I finished it! This book can definitely change your life: it's so uplifting! What I found really interesting when reading reviews here and there is how everyone identifies with a different chapter from the book, a different character. The book really has something to offer to each and everyone of us, it echoes our own personal experiences. My favourite chapters must be [...]

I read this in the summer of 1990 and understood Taoism much better than I did in my philosophy class. A very cool little read.Following a very busy, difficult school year, I thought a little review of a world view focused on remaining calm in all situations wouldn't be a bad idea.Yep, still a very enjoyable little book that reminds you of the strength, courage and power of self, the universe and of nothing. On to the Te of Piglet.

As if the Tao of Pooh weren't enough, the Te of Piglet had to come along. And as if that weren't enough, there's a boxed set. A boxed set?! This is not the Velevet Underground, this is self-consciously wacky pseudo philisophical bullshit! Where's my razors, I feel the urge to flee this world for good.

The best points of this book were the excerpts from Winnie the Pooh. Though I know the author wrote the book to simplify Taoism for those of us (ie me) who have not concept of it, I had the distinct impression that he oversimplified it. He basically condemned the pursuit of knowledge and any sort of goals in favor of "simplemindedness" and simply enjoying everyday life.

Things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.The Way, way of the universe, it's natural balance harmony retreats with man's interference.Through working in harmony with life's circumstances, taoist understanding changes what other perceive as negative into something positive.When you know and respect your own inner nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don't belong.WuWei (the pooh w [...]

The two books were good overall, since the author achieved his purpose - to convey the Taoist message in a less scholarly / professorial / ancient manner. It evokes many people's childhood memories about the A.A. Milne creation in a nice and simple way.However, I found that parts of the book got side-tracked and seemed to suggest very poor judgements about life. In the Tao of Pooh, after the chapter 'Bisy Backson', things kind of went downhill. Pooh, being a very unintelligent character, is port [...]

I give the Tao of Pooh 4 Stars and the Te of Piglet 0 Stars for an avg of 2 Stars.Tao of Pooh - the author uses excerpts from Winnie the Pooh stories in order to give a simplified explanation of Taoism. There are good lessons to reflect on concerning *discarding arrogance and complexity *contentment, etc. I don't really buy into the "Tao does not do, but nothing is not done" concept that teaches living without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort. So, ditch the ego, yeah sure, but it's n [...]

I wish I had read this book in conjunction with other religious texts. Looking at the details of how it is similar to the Bible, for instance, would have been an good exercise in remembering that there is common ground amongst different spiritual beliefs. Though this book is an excellent resource on Taoism; I didn’t get as much out of it as I had hoped. I can’t tell if it is because I had a class that went over Taoism’s fundamentals or if it is the book itself. It might be the latter; the [...]

Quick, somewhat charming read wherein the basic concepts of the Tao are illustrated via tales pulled from the Pooh-centric books. Clever idea, works well, however, the author's skill does cause some confusion. Switching from author narrative to quoted Pooh text is clear enough, however, disengaging from the quote is sometimes often confusing. Some formatting choices cause confusion too such as when double spacing betwixt paragraphs should and should not occur. And for an uptick, original Pooh-st [...]

I think this is one of those works that I would have enjoyed more if I'd read it in my teens or twenties rather than my thirties (I didn't). Or that I would have found more profound if it were my first introduction to Taoism (it wasn't). Much like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, I came upon these books too late for my own good, as a grouchy, jaded, grown-ass man. And as such, The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet just struck me as being not nearly as clever as they seemed to think th [...]

Read a ga-gillion times over the years- in little 'pick up off the shelf' 20 minute increments. Winnie the Pooh- my favorite fictional character, his little stuffly nose voice, his hunny bunny belly and his whistlin' right along attitude---I TRY to be like that and it sadly, comes and goes like the wind. Heartwarming and sweet and true, everyone should really, really own a copy of this book.

everyone should read this

What a lovely and delightful way to learn about Taoism.

great stuff interesting look into the personality written about fictitious charactersves them a sense realism.

I could read this book over and over and discover new hidden meaning. It is such a cute book and I love how the author explains Taoism through the story of Pooh.

The Tao of PoohFour StarsHoff interprets the characters of A.A.Milne's Winnie the Pooh stories from the perspective of Taoism, especially singling out Pooh himself as the personification of Taoism, as contrasted by the other characters. The book is short, light, and easy to read. Hoff's point is simple and attractive, a sort of "Just go with it" attitude, where experience counts for more than intelligence or education, seeking to work in harmony with nature and use existing strengths. He is espe [...]

The Tao of Pooh is a classic, an entertaining and informative overview of Taoism; The Te of Piglet, not so much.I read the first book many years ago, and I remembered liking it very much, but as time went on and I became old and forgetful, I couldn't remember the content. Like many booklovers I have a apartment full of books I haven't yet read. I bought this combined book from a book club a long time ago. I figured, laying around at home after back surgery, now is a good time to read it. I've ha [...]

Good coverage of Taoist content, and hits all the key notes, but I found this book let down in two regards: the author interspersing his personal political ideology into the writing (I think Taoism is a lot more personal than political) and the way the author writes vaguely about certain topics (including using Pooh metaphors that sometimes don’t fit). As a novice to Taoism, a reader may not understand what he is getting at. As someone previously exposed to Taoism, the reader then simply gets [...]

The Tao Of Pooh is the better book with many insightful philosophical views. The Te of Piglet on the other hand was more a rant about the negative aspects of western society than anything else. Although there is discussion of the way and the inherent benefits of Taoism it doesn’t provide a reason as to why Taoism doesn’t ring true and therefore more widely adopted in western let alone Chinese society.

An everyday life explanation of Taoism through some adorable characters, mixed with social critique. It's a view worth spreading and Mr. Hoff makes a couple of good points. Clear writing style with some touching quotes, though the book reads a bit like an eclectic patchwork.

Tao of Pooh has lots of little gems of wisdom. It reminds me of the saying to be like water and go with the flow. The Te of Piglet was more of a cynical person giving opinions on how the younger generation is destroying the world.

Cool, little book.Very easy to read and a nice reminder to chill, enjoy life and not overthink things.I very much enjoyed the tone of the author, quite playful but still effective and definitely enjoyable.

Awesome read. I think this book would be lost on closed-minded people but if you embrace all religions you should enjoy and learn from it. Best book I've read in quite some time.

It was really enlightening. I relate to piglet and it was very helpful.

Sometimes the metaphor of using Winnie the Pooh to explain this stuff got stretched a little too weirdly and a little too far.

Wonderful re-read.

One to keep on the shelf and pull down every now and again.

I enjoyed the philosophy simply laid out in the first book. The second seemed far less inspiring and more hypocritical in places.

In "The Tao of Pooh", Benjamin Hoff uses the personalities of the characters in A. A. Milne's tales to illustrate Taoism alongside some competing worldviews. The characters can divided into 3 categories of personality and philosophy: Rabbit/Owl, Eeyore, and Pooh. Rabbit quickly develops and executes clever action plans that don't capture the essence of a given situation and usually go awry. Similar to Rabbit in terms of being too clever by half, Owl pontificates and analyzes and never actually d [...]