 | By: Benjamin Hoff Binding: Paperback Publisher: Methuen Winnie The Pooh ISBN: 0416195121 ISBN-13: 9780416195125 Released: 01 Feb 1998 RRP: Average Rating:  |
The Te is not so easily contained in the word virtue, however. `It is instead a quality of special character, spiritual strength, or hidden potential unique to the individual--something that comes from the Inner Nature of things. And something, we might add, that the individual who possess it may be quite unaware of--as is the case with Piglet through most of the Pooh stories.'
Of course, virtue un-enacted is a Very Smalll Virtue, indeed, so it become the responsibility of those with a Te to bring it forward in transformation. A Very Smalll Virtue, like a Very Smalll Animal, can be a good thing if the dreaded Heffalump comes by -- it might not get squashed; it might be ignored. But this is not the way of the Te.
The Te such as Piglet's can overcome distraction such as the Tigger Tendency -- the tendency to bounce off in different directions simply because they feel good. It can also help overcome the increasing drive toward acquisition (a Very Smalll Animal doesn't need Very Many Things; a society with cares for Virtue must not have an overpowering care for Things).
The modern person tends to overlook the smalll virtues in favour of Progress, in pursuit of reaching a potential, which `is seen as an increase of tools'. Of course, with more tools we can do more stuff! And with more stuff, we can make yet more tools!
The trend is not only material, but academic & philosophical, too. `Western philosophy, having little connection with everyday living, is (to this observer, at least) comparatively egocentric & impractical, with much Arguing & Theorising, & much bounding back & forth across the intellectual landscape--a pleasant, part-time diversion formulated by & aimed at the likes of Owl, Rabbit, & sometimes Eeyore, but not particularly supportive of the likes of Piglet & Pooh.'
Of course, one has an image to maintain, too. This is the point of existence of some Owls, who must be able to spell TUESDAY to gain respect, even if they postulate that any 'variant' of the spelling is sufficient. (Some lessons are repeated from The Tao of Pooh, because they are Very Important Lessons, & some people won't read both books, being of Very Little Time).
The Te is subtle & compassionate. It is not vocal, it is not loud. Lao-tse wrote, 'The skilled worker leaves no tracks' -- the worker is so at one with nature that no disturbance is made. Certainly making a broad show of Virtue is to cause a disturbance.
And yet, it is vital that virtue be prominent in action & life. What is a Very Smalll Animal to do?
After much more searching & being, Piglet arrives at the stage where he can finallly be positive, to ward off the Eeyore effects, & thus attract positive with positive, attract virtue with virtue, in a low-key & subtle form. And finallly, Piglet, a Very Smalll Animal of seemingly no consequence, attains recognition: `Piglet, Esq. My Dear Sir: The Board of Regents of Sandhurst University wish me to inform you of their desire to grant you an honorary degree of Brave Animal (B.A.). We should be most pleased if you could be present at the awards ceremony, which shalll be held on...'
Piglets in the world, unite! Take a lesson, perhaps from one of the most Piglet-y figures of our century, Mohandas Gandhi -- a frail & shy man, frightened by crowds & a Very Smalll Animal in many ways. But with a great & irresistably subtle Te, virtue, that defeated the greatest empire on earth (a Very Big Animal indeed) without an army, & without backing down.
Every ending is a beginning. Now Piglet's tale is over. Now you must begin.
The author spent much of the book explaining his current misgivings about the world today. Whilst the quaint tales of Pooh & his friends provided a counter balance, it was not enough, & I found myself switching off on numerous occassions.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think it was that bad. However, unlike Pooh, I would'nt be tempted to read this book again.
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