Scan barcode
roxymaybe's review
2.0
I can see how this book would have been very impactful in its time, alongside Sgt Pepper and all that postwar hippie stuff. And I also would have had my mind blown by certain sections if I had read this when I was 19 (which, to be fair, is the author's intention). As an adult half a century later, though, it doesn't do much for me.
cchapple's review
4.0
About 10 years ago, I was blown away by Alan Watts for the first time. Coming back to his work, and reading this, which is kind of all his major ideas in one place, I am more critical. I still like the way he puts a lot of things. He speaks very clearly about Vedanta and it's a decent entry point. But his target audience is very clearly white cisgender straight men. As one, it's something that easily passed me by the first time around.
I still enjoyed returning to the Wattsverse, even as I am critical of it. And if you enjoy it, I highly recommend checking out Hui Neng, the 6th patriarch of Zen, and The Upanisads.
I still enjoyed returning to the Wattsverse, even as I am critical of it. And if you enjoy it, I highly recommend checking out Hui Neng, the 6th patriarch of Zen, and The Upanisads.
benkubacki's review
3.0
Watts writes an eye-opening summary of a primarily Eastern way of understanding, though in a Western, American, 20th century dialect. His explanations are helpful, though his train of thought at times hard to follow. The writing style and dialect were not enjoyable; his casualness and some politically incorrect verbiage had me chuckling to myself several times. That said, it was worth the read for someone interested in the Ground of Being and unitive knowledge. For anyone else, it offers a new vision of the self, one powerful enough to alter their sense of being in the world. Watts’ are the kind of packed ideas you could sit on for a while and still get something out of.
blaineduncan's review
5.0
The concepts of 'The Book' often went over my head. Sometimes I'd read until I got to a passage that I felt I understood, and I'd revel in that particular part by thinking about it for a while or talking to others about the ideas.
But it's a great book if not a little confusing at times.
My rating is more of 4.5 stars, but the insight it gave me doesn't allow for it to be rounded down.
But it's a great book if not a little confusing at times.
My rating is more of 4.5 stars, but the insight it gave me doesn't allow for it to be rounded down.
rsr143's review
5.0
A very powerful book. Written in an easy to understand and funny way. It's book got me hooked on Alan Watts. I know listen to a number of his audiobooks and have ready many of his essays. I've read dozens of books relating to Hindu and eastern philosophy and this is one of the best.
naail_ishy's review
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
It well written and well thought out. I love Alan watts and his talks. The feeling after reading this book is a retelling of his ideas in one place. He’s funny and insightful. Don’t come looking for enlightenment or self realisation, just an open mind and heart and hopefully you’ll get something from this book.
freckleduck's review
3.0
This book was fascinating but I'm not sure I understand it or have any idea how it's views will interact with me. I think I just need time to process.