The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East
Product ID: 103195797
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Deep down, most people think that happiness comes from having or doing something. Here, in Alan Watts’s groundbreaking third book (originally published in 1940), he offers a more challenging thesis: authentic happiness comes from embracing life as a whole in all its contradictions and paradoxes, an attitude that Watts calls the “way of acceptance.” Drawing on Eastern philosophy, Western mysticism, and analytic psychology, Watts demonstrates that happiness comes from accepting both the outer world around us and the inner world inside us — the unconscious mind, with its irrational desires, lurking beyond the awareness of the ego. Although written early in his career, The Meaning of Happiness displays the hallmarks of his mature style: the crystal-clear writing, the homespun analogies, the dry wit, and the breadth of knowledge that made Alan Watts one of the most influential philosophers of his generation. Review: Alan Watts is always a good read - Alan Watts is always a good read. If you like this read either The Way of Zen or The Book On The Taboo of Knowing Who You Are next! Review: A compendium of knowledge - If you're new to Alan Watts, then this is a book that can really knock you right out of your seat. I've been reviewing his work, seminars, etc. for years. I personally think this is one of his best books. I would recommend it to anyone.
| Best Sellers Rank | #101,382 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #40 in Comparative Religion (Books) #260 in Eastern Philosophy (Books) #667 in Happiness Self-Help |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 468 Reviews |
P**Y
Alan Watts is always a good read
Alan Watts is always a good read. If you like this read either The Way of Zen or The Book On The Taboo of Knowing Who You Are next!
K**R
A compendium of knowledge
If you're new to Alan Watts, then this is a book that can really knock you right out of your seat. I've been reviewing his work, seminars, etc. for years. I personally think this is one of his best books. I would recommend it to anyone.
N**R
offers common sense.
easy to read and g offers good advice.
E**7
A lover of philosophy
I love this man... he gets it!
P**N
It’s Allan watts
Either you love him or you don’t.
S**R
The world needs more Allen.
One of his best works...and so young when written too. A spectacular read. He has a way of bridging not only the divide of understanding and knowledge of the eastern ways but also include the philosophy and ethos of the west. Cannot read enough of Allan. A gift to the world.
M**E
amazing book
i cant believe the knowledge this man had at the age of 21. a complete genius. with a well rounded knowledge of all there is to know. he has greatly inspired me, i wish he were still around and i can only hope to incarnate some of his wisdom in my travels of this world.
M**G
an important book
It is hard to fathom that Alan Watts wrote this book when he was only 24 years old. What a mind. I have saved parts of it to read again later.
J**S
Reliable shipping and a good read.
I gave it as a gift and was told it was a very good read, a little on the harder side to understand but all in all enjoyable. The shipping was far quicker than expected (was told it would take a few days and it came the next day) and it looked completely new, no scuff marks or anything.
F**S
Thought for food
Not an easy book to digest but well worth the journey. A pragmatic and thoughtful approach to explaining how enlightenment can come about. Only the end of the journey seems a little hasty. Not abrupt but condensed. Alan is a thoughtful guide who knows his terrain. Amazing for someone so young and that fact likely explains the ending.
U**T
Delightful and a door opener
It was a great delight reading this. Every line was worth it. In particular, I loved the utilization of the biblical prodigal son to compare it with the seif-conscious civilized man (prodigal son) and the child, animal or savage (elder son).
S**S
Not an easy read
After reading other books by Alan Watts as well as listening to his audio tapes from seminars, my expectations were considerably high when ordering The Meaning of Happiness. But once I started to read it, I was a little disappointed by his approach to deliver the answer. In this specific edition I could sense the complexity to articulate the main idea and diving in way too many rants for extended periods of time. It was not an easy read. I missed his light, invigorating and efficient style of presenting an idea and philosophy which was most visible in The Book.
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