Appreciating the wisdom in simplicity from "summary" of The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
In the Tao te Ching, written around the sixth century B. C., Lao-tse says, "When we renounce learning, we have no troubles." What does that mean? It means that the more we depend on constant learning, the more we distance ourselves from that which is simple and peaceful. But if we can let go of our need to always be acquiring new knowledge, we can return to a state of simplicity and contentment. This idea is echoed in the concept of Pu, or the Uncarved Block. The Uncarved Block represents the original state of things, before they have been complicated or altered. It is a state of pure potential, where everything is possible. This concept is also reflected in the story of the vinegar tasters. In this story, three men are tasting vinegar - one reacts with a sour expression, representing Confucianism, another reacts with a bitter expression, representing Buddhism, and the third man smiles, representing Taoism. The Taoist is able to appreciate the simplicity of the vinegar as it is, without needing to change it or make it into something else. This is a key aspect of Taoist philosophy - the abilit...
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