Over the centuries Taoism classic teachings were developed and divided into philosophical, monastic, and folk religious forms. All of these could be included under the general beading of Taoism. But the basic Taoism is simply a particular way of appreciating, learning from, and working with whatever happens in everyday life. From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.
“The Tao of Pooh” recognizes three parts of humanity in relation to Taoism – Knowledge, Cleverness, and Instinct.
Knowledge reflects our urge to categorize the world around us with names and explanations. Cleverness reflects our desire to solve problems with what we believe is logic. Both Cleverness and Knowledge are human attempts to achieve happiness, and both teach us that happiness is something to be fought for – it's always just up ahead, in the next pay check, a better job, popularity, the perfect house, or a new car. Instinct, or what I've chosen to call instinct, is what animals live by. Humans have it too; we just choose to ignore it more often than not. Instinct is, at least in part, the Way, and achieving happiness is as simple as following the Way. For Taoists, the proof that this is true can be found everywhere – harmony and contentment is the nature of the world, from the bird in the tree to the fish in the river.
Owl represents Knowledge – he uses big words to confuse people into thinking he knows everything. Rabbit represents Cleverness – he has an answer for everything; he thinks he can reason his way out of any problem. Pooh represents Instinct – he may seem simple-minded at times, but he does what he feels is right, and somehow things always work out for him.
Hoff's purpose of this book is a didactic....
