Lots of people talk to animals... Not very many listen, though... That's the problem.

The surest way to become Tense, Awkward, and Confused is to develop a mind that tries too hard - one that thinks too much.

But down through the centuries, man has developed a mind that separates him from the world of reality, the world of natural laws. This mind tries too hard, wears itself out, and ends up weak and sloppy. Such a mind, even if of high intelligence, is inefficient. It drives down the street in a fast-moving car and thinks its at the store, going over a grocery list. Then it wonders why accidents occur.

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

The main problem with this great obsession for saving time is very simple: you can't save time. You can only spend it. But you can spend it wisely or foolishly.

If people were superior to animals, they'd take good care of them," said Pooh.

From the Taoist point of view, the natural result of this harmonious way of living is happiness.