Taoism Blog Response on the Tao of Pooh

I thought the Tao of Pooh was an excellent explanation of Taoism through the story of Winnie the Pooh. It was interesting to see how they used the characteristics of the characters to explain parts of Taoism. The book adds character and humor to the story which makes understanding Taoism fascinating.  I also liked how they put the perspective of Taoism through a children’s book made it easier for anyone to understand the culture, those who are not already familiar with it. The dialogue was easy to follow and the concepts were explained step by step. There were few concepts where parts of the information were scattered around in the book. That was the only part I did not like. For example page 6 of the book.  They talked about the views of a Taoist. Later in the book on page 25 they go into the viewpoints again.  In the book they refer to the person in Bisy Backsons. He is always active in some activity. On page 93 it says “the busy backsons is almost desperately active” his life consists of physical activities such as skydiving, tennis, jogging and more. This relates to the American culture of how America is always like busy Backsons. I always thought that America does things way to fast in life. Our culture seems more fast paces, which allows us to miss the simple things. On page 97 they see why our culture is like busy backsons, and it is because there is something somewhere that is not achieved. That we have to keeping moving in order to catch up with it.  Earlier in the book on page, Hoff talks about the uncarved block, or P’u. The principle of the uncarved block is to be said that “things in their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed”. (10) being simpleminded is the way to the solution to the problem of American culture and Americans as individuals. We are so much like the busy backsons, that we for the about the simplicity of life. If Americans put aside the arrogance, complexity and a few other things that get in the way, they will discover that “life is fun” (20). I think that the Taoist view of the uncarved block is a good solution. I definitely like the idea of the phrase “Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work, odd as that may appear to others at times.” (21). Simplicity leads to a spontaneous life.