The way of self-reliance

But, rather than be carried along by circumstances and manipulated by those who can see the weaknesses and behavior tendencies that we ignore, we can work with our own characteristics and be in control of our own lives. The Way of Self-Reliance starts with recognising who we are, what we've got to work with, and what works best for us.

Benjamin Hoff in "The Tao of Pooh" page 57

Brain can be fooled

As we have likely recognised by now, no two snowflakes, trees or animals are alike. No two people are the same, either. Everything has its own Inner Nature. Unlike other forms of life, though, people are easily led away from what's right for them, because people have Brain, and Brain can be fooled. Inner Nature, when relied upon, cannot be fooled. But many people do not look at it or listen to it, and consequently do not understand themselves very much. Having little understanding of themselves, they have little respect for themselves, and are therefore easily influenced by others.

Benjamin Hoff in "The Tao of Pooh" page 57

The Eeyore Effect

There is something in each of us that wants us to be Unhappy. It creates in our imaginations problems that don't yet exist - quite often causing them to come true. It exaggerates problems that are already there. It reinforces low self-esteem and lack of respect for others. It destroys pride in workmanship, order, and cleanliness. It turns meetings into Confrontations, expectations into Dread, opportunities into Danger, stepping stones into Stumbling Blocks. It can be seen at work in grimaces and frowns, which pull the muscles of the face forward and down, speeding the aging process. It contaminates the mind behind the face with its negative energy and spreads outward, like a disease. And then it comes back, projected and reflected by other unhappy minds and faces. And on it goes.

Benjamin Hoff in "The Te of Piglet" page 54

The scholar is retricted by his own learning

A well-frog cannot imagine the ocean, nor can a summer insect concieve of ice. How then can a scholar understand the Tao? He is restricted by his own learning.

Chuang-tse as translated by Benjamin Hoff in "The Tao of Pooh"