“We can’t all, and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it.”
The important thing to understand about most of the best and most memorable quotes in this book is that Milne doesn’t care to lay it out on the line. He plays with words and meaning and often with capitalization to create an oblique sense of philosophy that allows for multiple interpretations Eeyore is trying to suggest here one of the key themes of the book: everybody is different and that difference should be valued. But read into it what you will.
“I’ve got two names,” said Christopher Robin, carelessly.
“Well, there you are. That proves it,” said Piglet.
Piglet seems very certain that something is proven here by Christopher Robin’s admittance of what everyone already knows. But, in fact, of course, his careless assertion proves absolutely nothing. But that’s okay because sometimes the proof is not in the transmission, but the reception. Piglet has gained some sort of evidence from Christopher Robin’s statement and that is good enough.
“You can never tell with bees.”
The Pooh books have become one of the most beloved books of pop culture philosophical musings of the 20th century. Indeed, the book overflows with wonderfully meaningful—if oblique—philosophical flights of fancy. “You can never tell with bees” is one of the least appreciated and quoted, however. Keep in mind that Pooh lives for honey. Many of his adventures revolve around the pursuit of honey. The bear knows bees. And this line of dialogue is fraught with deep philosophical thought because it truly can and should be applied to any recurring obstacle standing between you and what you want most. Simply replace bees with that obstacle.
"Silly old Bear."
A recurring observation of Christopher Robin cast toward Pooh that becomes a motif. Pooh is quite silly sometimes, but Christopher Robin says it entirely as a term of endearment. It is a gentle reminder that not only that silliness can be a positive character trait, but that sometimes words that may seem unkind are actually quite gentle demonstrations of profound caring.
