The Philosophy of Winnie the Pooh: Benjamin Hoff’s Guide to Tao…

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff serves as an insightful dive into a few basic Taoist principles by connecting ancient Eastern philosophy to a familiar storybook in Western pop culture. Hoff is able to enhance his readers’ knowledge of Taoism by alluding to Milne’s culturally significant book and expanding on how it seamlessly represents an Eastern philosophy. Benjamin Hoff’s friendly novel, The Tao of Pooh, is an effective introduction to Taoism for Western society because it assesses how various aspects of the well-known tale of Winnie the Pooh adhere to basic Taoist principles.

The characters in Milne’s work represent a broad understanding of human behaviors relevant to Taoism. In fact, according to Britannica, Milne’s work is “notable for its insights into human behavior” (lowne). Even though many would assume that people are far more dynamic than the fictional characters of a children’s book, Hoff explains how we all have pieces of Milne’s characters inside of us. The Tao of Pooh shows us that in order to uphold Taoist beliefs, we must follow the wise ways of Pooh.

Hoff claims that pu, one of the most important Taoist principles, is named after Winnie the Pooh. This ancient Chinese teaching directly translates to ‘the uncarved block.’ Pu encourages us “to enjoy the simple and quiet” (Hoff 21) as we allow the natural rhythm of life to proceed without resistance. Milne’s content bear seamlessly represents the metaphorical qualities of pu. Hoff further illuminates the idea of pu by demonstrating how Pooh’s lack of knowledge prevents him from being weighed down by the intellectual baggage that Milne’s other characters face. Pooh simply is as he is: an uncarved block.

Hoff also uses Pooh to portray another Taoist principle known as wu wei. Wu wei means “without doing, causing, or making” (Hoff 67). Hoff refers to this Chinese philosophy as ‘the Pooh way’ because it is perfectly exemplified by Milne’s simple-minded bear. ‘The Pooh way,’ which involves eating honey, hanging out with Piglet, and talking to Christopher Robin, may not directly apply to everyone’s lives. However, Hoff explains how the root of Pooh’s contentment is his “practice of taking no action that is not in accord with the natural course of the universe” (Stefon). Hoff explains that “letting go of ideals that we may otherwise try to force too violently onto things” (The School of Life) is the true essence of ‘the Pooh way.’

Hoff’s interpretation of Cottleston Pie, one of Pooh’s favourite songs, serves as important insight into Taoism. The Cottleston Pie principle teaches us that “all living creatures ought to live in a state of harmony with the universe, and the energy found in it” (National Geographic Society). Hoff exclaims that this principle is all about respecting inner nature, accepting that “things are as they are” (Hoff 40), and recognizing that “everything has its own place and function” (Hoff 41). This principle is a core concept in Taoism and a potent lesson throughout Milne’s work. For example, Tigger, who conceitedly claims that “tiggers can do everything” (Milne qtd. in Hoff 44), often faces extreme consequences because he ignores his inner nature. On the other hand, Pooh, who exemplifies the Cottleston Pie principle by respecting his inner nature, is always at peace.

The Tao of Pooh is a helpful overview of Taoist philosophy for audiences that grew up around Winnie the Pooh. Hoff uses Milne’s work to shed light on the fact that, contrary to many beliefs in Western society, the most important principle for living a prosperous life is to allow everything to proceed as is “without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort” (Hoff 68). And funnily enough, this principle aligns seamlessly with a fictional bear from a children’s book. Pooh’s Taoistic nature allows him to avoid Piglet’s insecurities, Owl’s need for knowledge, Tigger’s unrealistic aspirations, and Eeyor’s negative attitude. Hoff’s philosophical insight on Winnie the Pooh reveals how Taosim has allowed Milne’s beloved bear of little brain to lead a peaceful life.

Works Cited

Hoff, Benjamin. The Tao of Pooh. Farshore, 2019.

Lowne, Cathy. “Winnie-the-Pooh.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Winnie-the-Pooh-childrens-stories-by-Milne. Accessed 24 January 2023.

National Geographic Society. “Taoism.” National Geographic Society, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/taoism.

Stefon, Matt. “Pu.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/pu-Daoism. Accessed 23 January 2023.

“Wu Wei – Doing Nothing 無爲.” The School Of Life, 29 June 2022, www.theschooloflife.com/article/wu-wei-doing-nothing/.

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