Alan Watts

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Alan Watts

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

The Way of Chuang Tzu

Merton's interpretation of the teachings of Chuang Tzu presents the ancient Taoist sage's wisdom in a modern, poetic format, emphasizing simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony with the Tao.

Man on Earth: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Ecology of Man

Charter's work offers an early exploration of human ecology, examining the complex relationships between humans and their environments and the impact of human activities on ecological systems.

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Nature, Man and Woman

Watts explores the interconnectedness of nature, human beings, and gender, proposing a harmonious relationship with the natural world and a more integrated understanding of sexuality and spirituality.

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An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

Suzuki's influential work introduces the fundamental concepts and practices of Zen Buddhism, offering insights into its philosophy and the path to enlightenment.

Zen in English Literature and Oriental Classics

Blyth explores the intersection of Zen Buddhism and English literature, illustrating how Zen principles are reflected in Western classics and their themes of simplicity, directness, and nature.

The Laws of Human Nature

Greene examines the complexities of human behavior and psychology, offering strategies for understanding and mastering one's own nature and the behaviors of others.

The Principal Upanishads

Nikhilananda's translation and commentary on the Upanishads, key philosophical texts of Hinduism, provide accessible explanations of their profound teachings on the nature of reality and the self.

Life Against Death: The Psychoanalytical Meaning of History

Brown's seminal work integrates psychoanalysis and history, arguing that human civilization is driven by a repressive denial of death and advocating for a more liberated understanding of human desires and creativity.

The Bhagavad Gita

Easwaran's translation and commentary present this ancient Indian scripture, which dialogues between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, exploring profound spiritual and philosophical teachings on duty, righteousness, and the path to self-realization.

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Watchers on the Hill

Whitson's historical novel weaves a tale of faith, resilience, and community through the lives of women in a small Midwestern town in the late 19th century.

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.

Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Wittgenstein's seminal work outlines a philosophy of language, logic, and reality, proposing that the structure of language mirrors the structure of the world and that what can be spoken of meaningfully must be expressed clearly, while what cannot be spoken of must be passed over in silence.

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Commentaries on Living (First Series)

This collection of Krishnamurti's reflections and discussions offers profound insights into everyday life, consciousness, and the nature of human thought, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and inner transformation.

Knowing and the Known

Dewey and Bentley explore the relationship between knowledge and the knower, advocating for a pragmatic approach to epistemology that emphasizes the interaction between the observer and the observed.

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.

Laws of Form

Spencer-Brown's groundbreaking work introduces a mathematical system that explores the nature of boundaries and distinctions, offering insights into logic, philosophy, and the structure of reality.

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.

Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life

This ancient Chinese text, translated by Wilhelm, presents Taoist and Buddhist teachings on meditation and inner alchemy, aiming to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.

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.

Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation

Stevenson investigates twenty cases from around the world that suggest the possibility of reincarnation, providing detailed accounts and analyses of individuals who recall past lives.

Zen in the Art of Archery

Herrigel recounts his experience of learning Zen through the practice of Japanese archery, illustrating how the principles of Zen can be applied to mastering a skill and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Science and Man's Behavior

Burrow examines the implications of scientific discoveries on human behavior and society, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding the human psyche and interpersonal relationships.