Content-Type: text/html
Tao (also Dao), is an eastern philosophy/religion. The basic tenets of the philosophy are that:
There are parallels in western thought, although they haven't generally regarded such an unpurposeful attitude as positive. The French discussion of ennui?, or the classical representation of the charlatan? are both examples.
Taoism has its roots in the Chinese Aristocracy. Counselors of the Aristrocracy encouraged them not to worry about the problems of life (starving peasants, hatred, and what not), but instead to just sit back and enjoy life.
Taoism today is much more egalitarian; at least as long as you live in a land of plenty.
Probably the most read work with Taoist influences are A.A. Milne's adventures of [Winnie The Pooh]?, and [Christopher Robin]?. Pooh bear takes on the role of the Taoist sage, while Wol, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger take on the other archetypes of Taoist literature.