As China bans Christopher Robin, a timely reminder of how the philosophies of Confucius and Pooh are alike

China may have banned the release of Christopher Robin, but what it does not realise is that the great minds of Winnie the Pooh and Confucius think alike. We shall get there some day.” On finding beauty in mundanity Confucianism: “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Poohism: “Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart.” On action-oriented approach Confucianism: “When it is obvious that the goals can’t be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” Poohism: “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. Never forget kindnesses.” Poohism: “Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.” On making small steps towards a big goal Confucianism: “A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.” Poohism: “Sometimes when I go somewhere and I wait, a somewhere comes to me.” On realising the impermanence of life Confucianism: “We have two lives. I woke up and realised that life is duty.” Poohism: “Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.” On keeping the love alive Confucianism: “To love a thing means wanting it to live.” Poohism: “If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” On clarity of thought Confucianism: “A man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.” Poohism: “Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.” Thus, it is safe to say that Pooh is a philosopher without bearing the burden of a thinker or an intellectual. As he admits, “For I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me.” Also, he has his priorities sorted, “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy ones like ‘What about lunch?’” China should realise that a bear as harmless as Winnie the Pooh could do little damage besides spilling some honey.