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ronkey's review against another edition
3.25
Mixed bag, I found a handful of essays & proverbs here really smart/fun to read, found the others to be a bit cumbersome. But, I also read this in one sitting, so what the hell do I know -- probably would've been better in small chunks. Watts writes with pretty stellar clarity though, would grab a beer with him
ellacusso's review against another edition
4.0
reflections from first read:
at first, i was frustrated with this book because it all seemed too obscure to even consider. everything is a paradox, and trying to understand the paradox is a failure to understand the "one reality", and "tao". but if anything, this book taught me that we tend to reject things we do not understand, particularly us westerners when considering the doctrines of eastern philosophy. though i am nowhere close to fully understanding this book, it taught me that i may never know anything at all - but what difference does it make? also a very valuable commentary on the meaninglessness of life, but also how best to view that meaninglessness.
at first, i was frustrated with this book because it all seemed too obscure to even consider. everything is a paradox, and trying to understand the paradox is a failure to understand the "one reality", and "tao". but if anything, this book taught me that we tend to reject things we do not understand, particularly us westerners when considering the doctrines of eastern philosophy. though i am nowhere close to fully understanding this book, it taught me that i may never know anything at all - but what difference does it make? also a very valuable commentary on the meaninglessness of life, but also how best to view that meaninglessness.
todd45387's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent Read
This book is a revelation. Clear, concise, witty. Alan Watts at his best. An absolute must read kind of book!
This book is a revelation. Clear, concise, witty. Alan Watts at his best. An absolute must read kind of book!
gregarius's review against another edition
4.0
As a collection of essays, it's hard to give a rating to the book as a whole. Some are short, some long; some are thought-provoking, others more light-hearted. It worked as a good thing to read before bedtime, as the essays generally gave you some mental nugget to chew on.
cameronius's review against another edition
2.0
I got this book from the library, brought it home and laid down on my bed at the end of the night to read it. I cracked open the first page and a spoonful of sand fell out of the book into my bed. That's how it felt to read this underwhelming collection of B-side essays from Watts.
kristenleigh's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing is as good as listening to Alan Watts talk, but this was a worthwhile read.
magpietortoise's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the pure light that comes from Alan Watt's (watt. light. couldn't help but make a cheap pun) translations. I guess most of the writing offers insight into living a more meaningful life. Reframing the way we are told to see things. Because the news calls the current situation a 'Lockdown' do we have to call it that too? I feel differently upon reading this book. More in control of my experience. Seeing our homeboundness as a lockdown is limiting in its positivity. I began this book outside of 'lockdown' and I have finished within it. However, I do not feel trapped. I went to a lot of new places with this text. Had some real light bulb moments.
"Meaning cannot be described. It can only be experienced, and only experienced when there is love between oneself and the world."
This is a book you can read slowly. Digesting each chapter specifically and what is opens up in you. 'Become What You Are' is a book for anyone who is trying to find a way back to themselves.
"Meaning cannot be described. It can only be experienced, and only experienced when there is love between oneself and the world."
This is a book you can read slowly. Digesting each chapter specifically and what is opens up in you. 'Become What You Are' is a book for anyone who is trying to find a way back to themselves.