Winnie the Pooh's Greatest Pearls of Wisdom

— -- The world celebrates "Winnie the Pooh Day" each year on the birthday of A.A. Milne, who published the first Pooh book nearly 90 years ago. The pudgy, honey-obsessed teddy still captures the imagination of children and adults alike, and is the only beloved creature from the Hundred Acre Wood to have his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

In addition to being the best friend of Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh is a philosopher as well, offering life advice on everything from love to self-acceptance. Despite having a head "stuffed with fluff," the bear remains a surprisingly perceptive teddy. Here are some of his most profound observations:

On Self-Acceptance:

“When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.”

"I'm short and fat and proud of that!"

"Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness."

"Promise me you'll always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

On Patience:

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”

“If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

“Think it over, think it under.”

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” (This assertion is actually from Eeyore).

“I'm not lost for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.”

On Love and Friendship:

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

"Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”