This was written over 20 years ago while I was waiting for a new computer to start some consulting work. In the 90s eastern religions were all the rage and two popular books had appeared. The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet. It was partly as an answer to those that I wrote …
Monthly Archive: January 2016
Permanent link to this article: https://russathay.com/2016/01/20/pessimism-of-eeyore-introduction/
Pessimism of Eeyore 1 — Conformity
Eeyore is different. He is not like any of the other animals in the hundred acre wood. He is not cute or cuddly. He doesn’t hum or make up songs. He is gray, a little disheveled and stands with his feet too wide apart. And his tail is not attached very securely. Not unlike some …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 2 — Smart Asses
Eeyore is a smart ass. Well, a smart donkey really, but it comes to the same thing. When asked by Rabbit what he was doing floating down the river, feet in the air, Eeyore gave the typical smart ass reply: “I’ll give you three guesses, Rabbit. Digging holes in the ground? Wrong. Leaping from branch …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 3 — Off in a Corner
When we first meet Eeyore he is standing by himself in a corner of the forest where the thistles grow. If you are ever looking for a pessimist, off in a corner is a good place to start. We like being off in a corner. Any corner will do. Out on the edge of town, …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 4 — Loneliness
It is clear that Eeyore suffers from loneliness. This is not an unusual state of affairs for a pessimist. Eeyore’s most obvious problem is his belief that the other animals don’t like him. This is not, in fact, true. Even though Pooh and Piglet’s birthday presents don’t quite make it to Eeyore intact, and …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 5 — Stress
When we first meet Eeyore, he is standing with his front feet well apart and his head on one side. Those of us who have been there recognize this stance, even though the painful truth is kept from the children. Eeyore has a bad back. Stress related illness. Bad backs, bad stomachs, bad hearts, …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 6 — Integrity
All of the animals in Eeyore’s world, and all of the people in ours, pretend at times. They pretend to understand when they don’t. They pretend to be brave when they are afraid. Pretending is a way to cover a weakness. We all do it. Even pessimists. But pessimists sometimes pretend in the negative …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 7 — Skepticism
Eeyore is a profound skeptic. “It’s Pooh,” said Christopher Robin excitedly. “Possibly,” said Eeyore. “And Piglet!” said Christopher Robin excitedly. “Probably,” said Eeyore. “What we want is a Trained Bloodhound.” Not about to jump to conclusions, this old gray donkey. And with good reason. You never can tell, really. It is always better to …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 8 — Guilt
Jews sometimes claim that they are the world champions when it comes to guilt. But we Mormons can give them a good run for their money. It comes from this chosen people thing. Your parents and aunts and Sunday school teachers tell you that you are one of the chosen from the time you …
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Pessimism of Eeyore 9 — Age
Eeyore is an old gray donkey. Old is an essential part of the picture. There is, of course, no real evidence that Eeyore was actually born (or stitched together) long before any of the other animals in the forest. But whereas Pooh and Piglet radiate youth, doubtless because of their unconscious adherence to the …
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