Dive into the literary world of Alan Watts, Writer & Speaker.

Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for his interpretation and introduction of Eastern philosophy to Western audiences. Born in 1915 in Chislehurst, England, Watts began his career as a scholar of comparative religion at the age of 20 and soon moved to the United States. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he gained a wide following through his lectures on Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu philosophy, including extensive work on Zen, which he frequently discussed in his books and public talks. Watts’s approach blended academic rigor with a conversational style, making complex philosophical concepts accessible and relevant to the contemporary Western lifestyle.

This is the real secret of life—to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.❞ — Alan Watts

Watts had an insatiable intellectual curiosity, and his works display a profound engagement with a broad spectrum of ideas, cultures, and texts. He was known for reading widely and deeply across diverse subjects, which enriched his philosophical discourses and writings. His fondness for reading helped him synthesize Eastern and Western thought in innovative ways, influencing the countercultural movements of the 1960s and beyond. Watts’s books and lectures continue to be influential, offering insights into the nature of reality, consciousness, and personal identity.

Alan Watts' Favorite Books

Last Updated: July 2024

Introduction to the Study of the Hindu Doctrines

Guénon's foundational work provides a comprehensive overview of Hindu philosophical systems, exploring their metaphysical principles and their contrast with Western thought.

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings

This collection presents classic Zen texts and teachings, including the Gateless Gate and 10 Bulls, offering readers an accessible introduction to Zen philosophy and practice.

A Taoist Classic: Chuang-Tzu

This foundational Taoist text, attributed to the philosopher Chuang Tzu, offers profound insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the art of living in harmony with the flow of life.

Doubt and Certainty in Science: A Biologist's Reflections on the Brain

Young reflects on the nature of scientific inquiry, the functioning of the brain, and the balance between skepticism and certainty in the pursuit of knowledge.

The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects

David-Neel's book reveals the esoteric teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, based on her extensive travels and studies in Tibet, offering insights into the mystical and practical aspects of these secret doctrines.

Cosmic Consciousness

Bucke's influential book posits that certain individuals throughout history have achieved a higher state of awareness or "cosmic consciousness," representing the next stage in human evolution.
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