February 8, 2017
This book saved my life! No really. When I read this book 12 years ago, I was able to quit heroin for good. And trust me when i say that I was an addict of the hopeless variety.
March 14, 2016
I was introduced to this book as required reading for my yoga training certification. Not only did I love the book, but have bought several as gifts since reading it. It was a very easy to read, light-hearted and humorous, yet also contained deep philosophical ideas. The writing style is unique and entertaining and it is the perfect blend of entertaining and thought provoking content. As someone new to the ideas of Taoism, this book helps illustrate the major tenants in plain "layman's terms" even I could understand. Would be a great book for the vacation reader as well as the scholar. I think this book is suitable for readers of all ages, there is something to be gained for nearly every audience. I do not practice Taoism, however, the lessons in this book are applicable to nearly everyone living in our busy modern world. Definitely a great addition to your permanent library, I highly recommend.
June 10, 2018
The Tao of Pooh was awesome. It really helped me be content with where I am in life at the moment. It stresses a release from ego and being in touch with the flow of the world. I am pretty new to the concept of Taoism, but the author presented it in an easy-to-follow way and put more emphasis on the philosophy part than the religious part.
One common criticism is that it comes off as anti-intellectual at times. I agree to an extent, but it is important to realize that being smart doesn't instantly make your life better. There is no end to the pursuit of knowledge, and while science is a crucial part of modern life, it isn't the key to happiness or a fulfilling life.
I would recommend this to anyone who feels like there is something missing in their life, or for those who struggle to be happy because of depression and/or anxiety.
One common criticism is that it comes off as anti-intellectual at times. I agree to an extent, but it is important to realize that being smart doesn't instantly make your life better. There is no end to the pursuit of knowledge, and while science is a crucial part of modern life, it isn't the key to happiness or a fulfilling life.
I would recommend this to anyone who feels like there is something missing in their life, or for those who struggle to be happy because of depression and/or anxiety.
June 11, 2018
An absolutely delightful but deep translation of the Tao Te Ching. Benjamin Hoff puts the teachings into the world and characters of Pooh and brings a unique way to understand what can be very difficult teachings to understand. This is my third purchase of this book, I wore the other two out. It's one of those books that you can read continuously, over and over, and keep learning new things every time.
March 28, 2018
A calm bear is a happy bear. There's a reason this is a classic. This is Tao for everyone, or at least for me.
May 26, 2017
Absolutely adorable books for someone who both loves children's literature and philosophy. These books are filled with delightful little insights into the motivations behind Pooh and his friends, comparing the id and the ego of Pooh and Piglet while drawing comparisons from literature and schools of thought throughout the world. If you're a lover of literature or just curious about why Pooh Bear does what he does, this is definitely an excellent addition to your collection!
March 24, 2017
I'm going through stage 4 cancer diagnosis shock and I find this book to be so comforting. Keep it simple and basic. Life is only as complicated as you let it become. I pick this up frequently to read and ground myself.
July 3, 2016
I have gifted this book to so many. Such a wonderful read. Such a beautiful approach to life.
November 27, 2018
The book starts out well enough in what I thought was its mission of examining the character of Piglet from the lens of Taoism. I am a fan of both. However, the book shifts about one-third of the way through to a thinly veiled personal tirade of the author about what is wrong with the news media/journalists, critics (e.g., art critics or perhaps more germanely book critics), educators, and bizarrely enough "Amazons"-- it appears the author has a problem with women who exhibit masculine traits. In any case, the author uses the character of Eeyore as a cover for this, but make no mistake about it, it is quite obviously a set of personal resentments that the author has evidently had bottled up for quite some time.
Unfortunately, this destroys the initial premise of the book, is a digression, misplaced, and I thought quite off-putting. It leaves a bad taste that doesn't dissipate. It also kills the credibility of what the author does have to say that is on- point about Piglet and the Tao. One gets the feeling that this author is a bitter old man with a personal axe to grind. Oh well. I say don't waste your money on this book. Instead read the original AA Milne creations.
Unfortunately, this destroys the initial premise of the book, is a digression, misplaced, and I thought quite off-putting. It leaves a bad taste that doesn't dissipate. It also kills the credibility of what the author does have to say that is on- point about Piglet and the Tao. One gets the feeling that this author is a bitter old man with a personal axe to grind. Oh well. I say don't waste your money on this book. Instead read the original AA Milne creations.
May 10, 2018
This is just an old man yelling at a cloud.
