Benjamin Hoff and His Conclusion on What We Can Learn from Pooh Corner: “Within each of us there is an owl, a rabbit, an Eeyore, and a Pooh. For too long, we have chosen the way of Owl and Rabbit. Now, like Eeyore, we complain about the results. But that accomplishes nothing. If we are smart, we will choose the way of Pooh. As if from far away, it calls to us with the voice of a child’s mind. It may be hard to hear at times, but it is important just the same, because without it, we will never find our way through the Forest.”
Benjamin Hoff on a Clear Mind: “The power of a clear mind is beyond description. But it can be attained by anyone who can appreciate and utilize the value of nothing.”
Benjamin Hoff on a Mind That Thinks Too Much: “The surest way to become Tense, Awkward, and Confused is to develop a mind that tries too hard—one that thinks too much.” (Perhaps the greatest point in the whole book. Sometimes you just gotta vibe, man.)
Benjamin Hoff on Believing in the Power Within Each of Us: “We don’t need to shift our responsibilities onto the shoulders of some deified Spiritual Superman, or sit around and wait for Fate to come knocking at the door. We simply need to believe in the power that’s within us, and use it. When we do that, and stop imitating others and competing against them, things begin to work for us.”
Benjamin Hoff on Cleverness: “Cleverness… has its limitations. Its mechanical judgments and clever remarks tend to prove inaccurate with passing time, because it doesn’t look very deeply into things to begin with.”
Benjamin Hoff on Enjoying the Process: “Enjoyment of the process is the secret that erases the myths of the great reward and saving time.”
Benjamin Hoff on How Life is Fun: “When you discard arrogance, complexity, and a few other things that get in the way, sooner or later you will discover that simple, childlike, and mysterious secret known to those of the Uncarved Block: Life is Fun.”
Benjamin Hoff on Inner Nature: “…everything has its own place and function. That applies to people, although many don’t seem to realize it, stuck as they are in the wrong job, the wrong marriage, or the wrong house. When you know and respect your own Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don’t belong.”
Benjamin Hoff on Our Usefulness: “No matter how Useful we may be, sometimes it takes us a while to recognize our own value.”
Benjamin Hoff on the Wise: “The Wise are Who They Are. They work with what they’ve got and do what they can do.” (Sounds like Arthur Ashe to me!)
Benjamin Hoff on Things in Original Simplicity: “Things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed.”