128 Results in the "Philosophy" category


    • Chapter 3: The Tao of Who? Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3: The Tao of Who? Pooh shares with Hoff that he has learned about Taoist concepts from his ancestors, like the poet "Li Pooh" and the painter "Pooh Tao-tse." Hoff gently corrects him, noting that the real names are Wu Tao-tse and Li Po. In the Taoist tradition, a central concept is P’u, which means “the Uncarved Block.” Unlike abstract ideas, Taoists prefer to explain such concepts through real-world examples, making them more tangible. P’u represents the natural, unaltered state of…
    • Chapter 11: Backword Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 11: Backword begins with Hoff asking Pooh what he thinks about The Tao of Pooh. Pooh, as usual, doesn’t quite grasp what Hoff is referring to. He isn’t thinking about philosophy, concepts, or teachings. He’s simply being present—more focused on the moment than on summarizing a book. Hoff reminds him of P’u, the Uncarved Block, and Wu Wei, the effortless way of being. Pooh listens politely, and in his own simple, wise way, responds with a song. It’s about doing what’s in front of you,…
    • Pooh Discovers Tao in ‘The Vinegar Tasters’ Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Vinegar Tasters offers a playful yet insightful introduction to the Taoist philosophy through a whimsical dialogue between the narrator and Pooh. As Pooh expresses curiosity about Taoism, which he has heard of but doesn’t fully understand, the narrator crafts an imaginative journey to China to clarify this concept. They find themselves in a small shop full of allegorical scrolls and stumble upon a painting titled "The Vinegar Tasters." This artwork features three significant figures—Confucius,…
    • Chapter 12: Pooh? Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Pooh? In this chapter, the narrator and Pooh have an engaging and lighthearted conversation about Taoist philosophy, focusing specifically on the concept of P'u, or the Uncarved Block. The narrator explains that many people are unfamiliar with Taoism, leading to the idea of embarking on a whimsical journey to China to understand the philosophy better. In a quaint shop filled with allegorical scrolls, they come across a painting titled "The Vinegar Tasters," which becomes a central point for the…
    • About the Author Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Tao of Pooh begins with the author, Benjamin Hoff, offering a glimpse into his life, personality, and interests. Hoff, a writer from Oregon, describes himself as someone with a diverse range of passions, including writing, photography, music, and composing. He expresses a deep appreciation for nature, particularly forests and bears, and humorously reflects on his academic history, noting his degree in Asian Art but acknowledging that he hasn’t confirmed the specifics in quite some time. This…
    • Chapter 1: Foreword Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Foreword: The journey of writing often begins not with a grand plan, but with a curious spark. When Pooh notices Benjamin Hoff writing, his innocent interruption becomes the foundation of something greater. Hoff, trying to explain his book, declares it’s about staying peaceful and content no matter what. Pooh, with his usual calm demeanor, challenges this idea not by argument, but with a simple question—whether Hoff has truly understood the lessons he’s writing about. That question hits deeper than…
    • Chapter 10: The Now of Pooh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 10: The Now of Pooh, Hoff reflects on why people, particularly the young, follow Pooh, a bear often described as having “a Little Brain,” on his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. He questions whether following one’s brain is truly the right approach, or whether it’s better to listen to "the voice within." Hoff argues that the brain, though valuable for many tasks, fails to grasp the most important aspects of life. Intelligence and cleverness can often distance people from the world…
    • The Tao of Pooh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff uses Winnie the Pooh to explain Taoism, showing how simplicity and harmony lead to peace and contentment.
    • I Cheerfully Refuse Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin ​”I Cheerfully Refuse” is a novel by Leif Enger, published on April 2, 2024. Set in a near-future America marked by societal collapse and environmental challenges, the story follows Rainy, a musician who embarks on a journey across Lake Superior in search of his beloved wife, Lark, a bookseller who has recently passed away. As Rainy navigates the treacherous waters, he encounters a society plagued by illiteracy, a corrupt ruling class, and crumbling infrastructure. Along the way, he forms unexpected alliances, including with a young girl named Sol, and becomes an inadvertent symbol of resistance against the oppressive forces that dominate this dystopian landscape. The novel explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling.
    • What We Tell Ourselves Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter titled What We Tell Ourselves delves into the profound self-reflection that artists experience in their creative journeys. It examines how the stories artists tell themselves about their identity and their work often serve as distractions, masking the deeper truths of their creations. These narratives, while comforting, fail to capture the authentic essence of the art itself or the impact it has on the world, emphasizing that the true value lies in the work produced rather than the tales…
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