Tao’s book of Pooh was sincerely enjoyable to read in my personal opinion. I feel as though the comparison between a religion and a child’s book is extremely creative and exceptionally intelligent. He envelopes the basic Taoist principal of living each day; day by day, and combating the curves and twists life throws at you. The way is he able to relate each character back to Taoism is very intuitive to me. For example owl being the opposite of pooh, the one who is knowledgeable and embraces learning and intelligence, while pooh takes life as it is, day by day.
American’s being the “bisy backsons” is very correct in my opinion. American’s spend so much time trying to save time and trying to accomplish obstacles for gratification and for rewards that are materialistic and unimportant. Taoism would be the total opposite of an American lifestyle. To spend time the correct way you have to spend it wisely on things you enjoy doing or accomplishing things that brings happiness or helps others. American’s are always in a hurry to do things and we don’t stop and reflect on the small, yet important things in life that bring happiness.
Incorporating some aspects of the Taoist belief would be extremely beneficial to American culture. American’s have many problems, most of which are greed, lack of moderation, time control, and over indulgence. Incorporating Taoism would lessen our need for material objects that simply satisfy short term happiness. Taoism would help American’s by providing a better way of spending time. American’s simply go go go. We work, we sleep, we spend, we work. We don’t use the time that we have in a manner that is healthy. Incorporating Taoism would provide a better way of using our time wisely; on others (friends and family), helping our community, or simply enjoying the simple things in life like a beautiful day or night. Also I believe that american’s don’t understand self worth or accountability. We are a very competitive society and we tend to underestimate our own gifts and talents because we are so preoccupied in being as talented or as successful as other people. As soon as we adopt more Taoist beliefs we will be able to better indulge in our own capabilities and begin to work harmonically with our peers.
