Thematic+Analysis+for+Foreword,+The+How+of+Pooh?,+and+The+Tao+of+Who?

= Thematic Analysis for the Foreword, The How of Pooh?, and The Tao of Who? = = A Positive Outlook and Simplicity = Jason Kim, Albert Joo

So far in The Tao of Pooh, it is evident that Benjamin Hoff is a supporter of Taoism and the Taoist principles. In the foreword, he points out the basis of the Tao principle: that everything on the earth is in harmony, and everything is good if man does not interfere with it. This leads to the next point, simplicity. Hoff describes Taoism as a teaching where simplicity is honored. Looking at things in a straightforward manner will accomplish things better than complicating things. Therefore, in life, interference with the harmony of the world will cause complications, making things more bitter and more sour.

__**Positive Outlook of Taoism:**__ Unlike Buddhism and Confucianism, Taoists view life as something that is in presently in harmony. Therefore, everything is happening in a positive manner, the way it should be. The only thing that interrupts this harmony is the interference of man. Therefore, Hoff describes that one must have a positive outlook and tolerate the negative things that come. If one tries to change things by setting rules or ignoring the earth, bad things will come. This is represented when Lao-Tse tastes the vinegar with a look of content. It is obvious that it probably tastes unpleasant, but Lao-Tse is able to dig deep and find the real positive aspect of life.

__**Simplicity of the Un-Carved Block:**__ Pooh is represented as a simple individual in the book Tao of Pooh. Unlike any other character, Pooh represent the calm and harmonious religion, Taoism. The un-carved block is one of the main and important principles when practicing Taoism. As we know, an un-carved block is in its simplest form before it is carved into something else. Taoists say that when a block is un-carved, it has a natural, special power that is distinct from one that has been carved. It is the power of simplicity; when put in the human mind, it accomplishes things that no one else can accomplish.