Alan Watts was a British philosopher who wrote about the nature of reality, spirituality, and the human experience.
He is best known for his work in the field of comparative religion and for popularizing Eastern philosophy in the West. Watts was born on January 6, 1915, in Chislehurst, United Kingdom, and died on November 16, 1973, in Druid Heights.
If you’re looking for something new to read, check out these books recommended by Alan Watts. Whether you’re interested in philosophy, or religion, or simply want to learn more about yourself, these reads will give you a new perspective.
Become What You Are by Alan Watts
In his book, Become What You Are, Alan Watts explores the idea that we are all interconnected and that everything we do affects the world around us.
He encourages readers to become more aware of their own thoughts and actions in order to make positive changes in their lives and in the world.
Watts also discusses the importance of accepting ourselves for who we are and not trying to be someone we’re not. By doing this, he argues, we can live more fulfilling and authentic lives.
Commentaries on Living by J. Krishnamurti
J. Krishnamurti’s “Commentaries on Living” is a collection of his thoughts and musings on various aspects of life. In it, he covers topics such as relationships, work, religion, and more.
Krishnamurti’s writing is simple and direct, yet also profound. He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter, and his insights are often surprising. His commentary on living is sure to challenge and inspire readers.
Cosmic Consciousness by Richard Maurice Bucke
In his book Cosmic Consciousness, Richard Maurice Bucke explores the concept of a higher level of consciousness that he believes is attainable by all human beings.
Bucke posits that this higher level of consciousness is characterized by a sense of oneness with the universe, a deep understanding of the nature of reality, and an intense experience of joy and ecstasy.
Bucke provides numerous examples of individuals who have attained this higher level of consciousness, including Mohammed (P.B.U.H), Jesus Christ, and Buddha.
He also discusses how certain drugs and meditation can induce states of cosmic consciousness. Ultimately, Bucke argues that cosmic consciousness is the next step in human evolution.
Doubt and Certainty in Science by J.Z. Young
J.Z. Young’s book “Doubt and Certainty in Science” explores the role of doubt in scientific inquiry. Doubt is essential to scientific progress, Young argues, as it allows for new ideas to be tested and for existing theories to be challenged.
Without a doubt, science would stagnate. However, doubt must be balanced with certainty, as too much uncertainty can lead to chaos and confusion. Young provides readers with a fascinating look at how doubt and certainty play out in the real world of science.
Helena by Evelyn Waugh
Few twentieth-century novelists have been as skilled at using irony to skewer the pretensions of the British upper class as Evelyn Waugh. In Helena, his last completed novel, Waugh turns his satirical eye to the world of Roman Catholicism.
The action of Helena centers on the efforts of the title character, a wealthy Englishwoman, to secure a place for her son in a prestigious Catholic school. To this end, she travels to Rome and ingratiates herself with the clergy there.
But as Waugh shows us, Helena is more interested in status and prestige than she is in religion. Her son, meanwhile, seems to be more interested in girls than he is in God. As Helena pursues her social ambitions, her son drifts further and further away from her.
Il libro dell’Es. Lettere di psicoanalisi a un’amica by Georg Groddeck
Georg Groddeck’s “Il libro dell’Es. Lettere di psicoanalisi a un’amica” is a collection of letters written by the renowned psychoanalyst to a close friend.
In these letters, Groddeck offers his insights on the human condition, offering advice on how to deal with the challenges of life.
This book is unique in that it offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers in the field of psychoanalysis. Groddeck’s letters are intelligent and thought-provoking and provide readers with valuable insights into the workings of the human psyche.
In My Own Way by Alan Watts
“In My Own Way” written by Alan W. Watts. The book chronicles his journey from a young man searching for meaning in life to an older man who has found peace and contentment.
Watts was born in 1915 in Chislehurst, England. He was raised in a Christian family and attended a Catholic school. As a young man, he began to question his faith and the purpose of life. He left the church and started exploring Eastern philosophy and religion.
In 1938, Watts moved to America to study at the University of California, Berkeley. He became interested in Zen Buddhism and began writing about it. His first book, The Wisdom of Insecurity, was published in 1951.
In My Own Way is an insightful look into the mind of one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.
Knowing and the Known by Arthur Fisher Bentley
Arthur Fisher Bentley was an American philosopher and social theorist. His major work, Knowing and the Known, was published in 1949. In it, he argued that knowledge is not a static thing; rather, it is something that is constantly changing and evolving.
He also argued that there is a difference between what we know and what we think we know. This book had a major impact on the field of epistemology and continues to be studied by philosophers today.
Life Against Death by Norman O. Brown
In his book Life Against Death, Norman O. Brown argues that the goal of human life is to overcome death through a process of continual self-creation and self-transcendence.
Brown challenges the traditional view that death is natural and inevitable and instead suggests that it is a result of our failure to fully realize our potential as human beings.
He believes that we can transcend death by continuously creating new meanings and values in our lives. Brown’s ideas have been influential in the field of psychology, and his book remains an important work in the study of human behavior.
Man on Earth by S. P. R. Charter
S. P. R. Charter’s “Man on Earth” is a book about one man’s journey to find himself. Born and raised on a small farm in Iowa, Sam Alton never felt like he belonged.
He always dreamed of seeing the world and finally decides to take the plunge when he’s given an opportunity to travel to Europe with his college friend, Dave.
On his journey, Sam discovers that there’s more to life than he ever could have imagined. He falls in love with new cultures, new people, and most importantly, himself.
Man on Earth is a heartwarming story of self-discovery that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.
Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung
C.G. Jung’s “Memories, Dreams, Reflections” is a fascinating look into the mind of one of the world’s most renowned psychologists. In this book, Jung delves into his own memories and dreams, providing readers with insight into his own thought process and psyche.
He also reflects on his life and work, offering valuable insights into the workings of the human mind. This book is sure to be a fascinating read for anyone interested in psychology or self-reflection.
Nature, Man, and Woman by Alan Watts
In his book Nature, Man and Woman, Alan Watts explore the relationship between nature, man, and woman. He argues that man is part of nature, and that woman is the other half of man.
According to Watts, man and woman are two parts of a whole, and they need each other to be complete.
Watts believes that man has lost touch with nature and that this has caused problems in his relationship with women. He argues that man needs to reconnect with nature in order to have a healthy relationship with women.
Watts provides many examples of how man and woman are connected to nature. He also offers some advice on how to improve the relationship between men and women.
Science and Man’s Behavior by Trigiant Burrow
“Science and Man’s Behavior” by Trigiant Burrow attempts to explore the link between science and human behavior. The book looks at how our understanding of the world around us affects our actions and decision-making.
By looking at both the history of science and current scientific research, Burrow tries to show how our scientific knowledge can help us improve our lives.
The book starts with a look at the history of science, tracing its roots back to the ancient Greeks. It then looks at how the Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries led to a greater understanding of the natural world.
This increased knowledge led to many advances in medicine, agriculture, and other areas of life. However, it also led to some negative consequences, such as the exploitation of natural resources and pollution.
Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects by Alexandra David
In her book, Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects, Alexandra David reveals the hidden world of Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, the teachings of this religion were passed down orally from teacher to student.
However, in recent years, some of these secrets have been revealed to the public.
In her book, David provides readers with an inside look at the various Tibetan Buddhist sects and their secret oral teachings. She also discusses how these teachings have been passed down over the centuries and what they mean for the future of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Bhagavad Gita by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
The Bhagavad Gita, also known as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.
The Gita is set in a narrative framework of a dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide and charioteer Krishna.
At the start of the Dharma Yudhha (“righteous war”) between Pandavas and Kauravas, Arjuna is filled with moral dilemma and despair about fighting his own cousins and friends in the war.
Krishna counsels Arjuna to “do his duty” as a warrior and prince but also stresses that there is more to life than just fulfilling one’s material goals and duties.
The Book On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts
In The Book On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, Alan Watts tackles the difficult topics of self-identity and personal responsibility. He delves into why we are so afraid of knowing ourselves, and how this affects our ability to grow and change.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and the world around them.
The Joyous Cosmology by Alan Watts
In The Joyous Cosmology, Alan Watts argues that the experience of joy is more important than the pursuit of happiness. He asserts that joy is a state of being, not an emotion and that it is our natural state.
Watts contends that the pursuit of happiness is an artificial construct created by society. He argues that we are taught to pursue happiness through material possessions and achievements, but that these things cannot bring us lasting happiness.
Watts argues that true happiness comes from within ourselves and from our connection to the world around us. He asserts that we need to find joy in everyday moments and in our relationships with others.
The Laws of Human Nature by Raymond Wheeler
The Wisdom of Laotse by Lin Yutang
The Next Development in Man by Lancelot Law Whyte
The Phenomenon of Man by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
The Principal Upanishads by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
The Secret of the Golden Flower by Lü Dongbin
The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James
The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
Introduction to the Study of the Hindu Doctrines by René Guénon
The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein
Watcher on the Hills by Raynor C. Johnson
Zen Buddhism by D.T. Suzuki
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