The Tao of Pooh

By: Benjamin Hoff

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Personal Development, 2013

Author Benjamin Hoff shows that the philosophy of Winnie-the-Pooh is amazingly consistent with the principles of Taoism and demonstrates how you can use these principles in your daily life.

Is there such thing as a Western Taoist? Benjamin Hoff says there is, and this Taoist's favorite food is honey. Through brilliant and witty dialogue with the beloved Pooh-bear and his companions, the author of this smash bestseller explains with ease and aplomb that rather than being a distant and mysterious concept, Taoism is as near and practical to us as our morning breakfast bowl. Romp through the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh while soaking up invaluable lessons on simplicity and natural living.

While Eeyore frets and Piglet hesitates and Rabbit calculates and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And that's the clue to the secret wisdom of the Taoists.

The Tao of Pooh is an international bestseller and the first Taoist-authored book in history to appear on bestseller lists, it remained on The New York Times’ bestseller list for 49 weeks.

©1982 Benjamin Hoff (P)2012 Tantor

Taoism

Taoism in a nutshell with examples by Pooh.
Well presented and referenced.
Plan and Simple as the Tao

Should be in everyone’s Book Bucket List...

This has been on my list forever. I got it on sale and loved it immediately. I definitely will listen to it again.

you know nothing Jon snow... er I mean...

this was delightful thank you for telling people to just be themselves and drop this bustle of a life people try to live. namaste?

Best book !

Wisdom, great narration, worth your time . . . . And who doesn’t like the silly old bear! And piglet

Loved it

The narrator is wonderful. He really made the story better. The way he portrayed the characters In Pooh Bear was refreshing and homey while he was using my childhood to explain a difficult concept.

helped me be a better person

Great book!
Instead of go go go, go with the flow, flow, flow, bro :)

delightful and worth the time spent

simplicity patience compassion
Winnie the Pooh has it all
thanks for the reminder.
now to find where I put mine.
or just wait and let them find me

Interesting Premise but Under delivers

NOTE: This is a review of "The Tao of Pooh", not "The Te of Piglet", which I have not read yet.

Benjamin Hoff uses references to the classic Winnie-the-Pooh stories, as well as an imaginary visit between Pooh Bear and himself, to explain how Pooh's outlook on life is quite similar to Taoism. The heart of the work is close to and thus will appeal to fans of Winnie-the-Pooh and Kung Fu Panda. I read this once before 5 or 6 years ago to help my brother with his homework assignments on this book, and I'm glad I revisited it. It doesn't take long, and it's a nice introduction to Taoism for those who would not engage with these teachings otherwise.

However, I cannot give this more than 4 stars because one section is quite anti-learning. I understand that over analyzing something can be unhelpful and hoarding knowledge rather than sharing with others can be harmful. But Hoff's section came across as being against any sort of curiosity or learning new things for its own sake. I am VERY pro acquiring knowledge and continuing education throughout my lifetime.

Regardless, this is still an intriguing perspective and makes me want to read Lao Tsu's "Tao Te Ching" work.

Delightful & Accessible

A joyful listen and should be a must read in high school. It seems so natural to use the Pooh characters to explain Taoist tenets. Pooh is the "effortless will do" character and unburdened by life especially it's surprises. In contrast, Owl and Rabbit with all their seemingly wise expertise just over-complicate matters while Eeyore's poor life view just inables him to live a joyful life, and of course, there is Piglet with heart and soul. I will listen to again and again. Strive to Live in Harmony

The journey of thousand miles begins with one step

What made the experience of listening to The Tao of Pooh the most enjoyable?

The narrator was absolutely perfect. Pitch, delivery, diction, transition were all perfect.

What did you like best about this story?

The analogies were numerous and incredibly thought provking.

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. First one.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I would have liked that

Any additional comments?

I never would have purchased this book had it not been $3.95 deal of the day thus leaving me to wonder how many other treasures like this one are out there. Thanks Audible keep the deals coming!