The Book On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts

3.98 AVERAGE

gesellejan's review against another edition

5.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

edders's review against another edition

4.0
Alan Watts comes across as a charming, relaxed character who insists not just that you consider his way of thinking but additionally that you see the joy in life whilst you're at it. It was very entertaining to read his paraphrased or rearranged approach to many different philosophical stances and problems. It comes across that he sincerely wants you, his reader, to think differently to as you normally would.

Of course, as with many things, you can only go so far with this book if you are unwilling. By remaining colloquial and general, Watts opens himself up, I am sure, to a myriad of corrections, problems, flaws, etc. that are not covered.

This is an entertaining approach to philosophy, and very much of its time. It would be fascinating to know just what has happened since to develop on this approach to adapting Eastern philosophies to Western sociological situations.

This isn't one to force on someone, but it was entertaining and I might recommend it to specific people.

heiki's review against another edition

2.0
The book was confusing. Very deep and convoluted with a potentially strong message, but I did not get it. I believe it was not the right time for me to read this book.

keane2097's review against another edition

5.0
Never highlighted so many passages from a book.

lucidquasar's review against another edition

5.0
challenging reflective medium-paced

yooperdoc's review against another edition

3.0
This book was difficult for me to follow, at times. However, there are many mind-blowing gems tucked inside. Overall, worth reading, and I will probably revisit.
anaulin's profile picture

anaulin's review against another edition

2.0
My notes: https://anaulin.org/blog/book-notes-the-book-alan-watts/