Become what you are
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Become what you are
Watts’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to articulate complex Eastern philosophies in a way that feels immediately relevant to the Western psyche. "Become What You Are" showcases this talent, particularly in its examination of the ego as a social construct. The strength of this collection is its directness; Watts doesn't shy away from challenging assumptions about individuality. However, the episodic nature of essays and lectures can sometimes lead to repetition, particularly for readers already steeped in his work. A passage discussing the "skin-encapsulated ego" serves as a potent, if somewhat stark, illustration of his central argument about the illusory nature of self. The book offers a compelling alternative to the often anxious pursuit of identity in modern life. It’s a vital, if occasionally familiar, exploration of authentic being.
📝 Description
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Alan Watts's essays and lectures from the mid-20th century were collected posthumously in 2003 as "Become What You Are."
This book collects essays and lectures by Alan Watts, drawn from his work in the 1950s and 1960s. It addresses fundamental questions about identity and the nature of reality, using concepts from Zen Buddhism and Taoism to offer perspectives distinct from Western thought. Watts challenges conventional ideas about the self and society, appealing to those interested in comparative philosophy and spiritual inquiry. Readers will find a continuation of themes explored in his other works like "The Wisdom of Insecurity."
The collection is aimed at individuals questioning societal norms and seeking to understand their place beyond material success. It originates from a period of significant cultural change and growing interest in Eastern spirituality in the West. Watts's ideas contrasted with the existentialism and analytic philosophy prevalent at the time, presenting a more integrated view of human existence. The book discusses the idea of the ego as an illusion and the concept of interconnectedness.
Alan Watts was a key figure in introducing Eastern philosophies, particularly Zen Buddhism and Taoism, to a Western audience during the mid-20th century. His work often sought to bridge the gap between these traditions and contemporary Western thought, questioning dominant philosophical and psychological frameworks. "Become What You Are" reflects this effort by distilling complex ideas into accessible language, aiming to provoke a reevaluation of personal identity and societal constructs through a lens informed by non-dualistic perspectives.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the "skin-encapsulated ego" concept, first explored by Watts in the mid-20th century, to recognize how societal conditioning shapes your sense of self, a perspective distinct from psychological theories of identity. • Grasp the concept of the "playful universe" as presented in Watts’s lectures, offering a view of existence as an inherent expression rather than a problem to be solved, which differs from problem-focused philosophical approaches. • Learn to appreciate the "present moment" through Watts’s lens, drawing from his interpretation of Zen and Taoist principles to find peace by recognizing the illusory nature of past and future constructs.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alan Watts's "Become What You Are" first published?
"Become What You Are" was first published posthumously in 2003, compiling lectures and essays from throughout Alan Watts's career.
What Eastern philosophies influenced "Become What You Are"?
The book is heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and Taoism, drawing on their concepts of interconnectedness, the present moment, and the nature of the self.
What is the core message of "Become What You Are"?
The central message is that individuals should realize their true nature, which is fundamentally connected to the universe, rather than identifying with the limited, socially constructed ego.
Is "Become What You Are" suitable for beginners to philosophy?
Yes, while it explores deep concepts, Watts's accessible writing style makes it suitable for those new to philosophy or spiritual inquiry, particularly his discussions on identity.
Where did Alan Watts lecture or teach?
Alan Watts lectured widely in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, at universities and public forums, from the late 1950s until his death in 1973.
How does "Become What You Are" relate to Alan Watts's other works?
It complements works like "The Wisdom of Insecurity" and "The Way of Zen" by further elaborating on themes of ego, the present moment, and the unity of existence.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Illusion of the Ego
Watts challenges the Western notion of a discrete, independent self, arguing that the ego is a conceptual construct, a "skin-encapsulated" illusion. He posits that this perceived separation from the world is the root of anxiety and conflict. By dissecting the ego, the work aims to liberate the reader from this ingrained sense of isolation, suggesting that true identity lies beyond the confines of personal history and social conditioning.
Interconnectedness and the Playful Universe
A core tenet of Watts's philosophy, drawn from Taoism and Zen, is that all phenomena are fundamentally one. The universe is not a mechanistic system but a spontaneous, dynamic process, akin to a cosmic dance or play. This perspective reframes existence not as a struggle for survival but as an inherent expression of a unified consciousness, encouraging a more fluid and accepting engagement with life's events.
Living in the Present
Watts critiques the human tendency to dwell on the past or project anxieties onto the future, arguing that these mental habits obscure the direct experience of reality. He advocates for a mindful presence, suggesting that the 'now' is the only true reality. This emphasis on immediate awareness, a concept central to Zen practice, offers a path to liberation from the mental cycles that perpetuate suffering and discontent.
Authenticity and True Nature
The book's title itself points to a central theme: the imperative to realize and embody one's inherent, fundamental nature. This is not about self-improvement or becoming someone else, but about shedding artificial layers of identity to reveal the authentic self that is already present. It’s an invitation to recognize one's intrinsic connection to the cosmos, moving beyond the limitations of the ego-driven self.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“You are the universe experiencing itself.”
— This is a concise articulation of Watts's non-dualistic view. It posits that the individual self is not separate from the cosmos but is, in fact, an expression or manifestation of the totality of existence.
“The ego, the 'I', is a social artifact, a linguistic convention.”
— This statement directly challenges the notion of a solid, inherent self. It frames the ego as a product of language and social interaction, rather than a fundamental psychological reality.
“When you finally see that you are, you will stop trying to become something else.”
— This interpretation of a core idea suggests that the quest for identity ends when one realizes their true, inherent nature. The striving ceases because the fundamental self is already complete and present.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Trying to manage things, trying to force things, trying to control things, is the most futile of all human endeavors.
This quote highlights Watts's critique of control-oriented thinking. It suggests that our attempts to manipulate external circumstances or our own internal states often backfire, leading to frustration and a deeper sense of powerlessness.
The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.
This paraphrased concept emphasizes embracing the flow of life rather than resisting it. It suggests that true understanding and peace come not from analysis or resistance, but from active participation in the unfolding present.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Watts's work is deeply rooted in the non-dualistic philosophies of Zen Buddhism and Taoism, often considered esoteric within their own traditions due to their emphasis on direct experience over dogma. He acts as a translator, bringing these insights into the Western esoteric landscape, which historically includes Hermeticism and Gnosticism. While departing from ritualistic or purely mystical approaches, Watts aligns with the Western esoteric goal of self-realization and understanding the underlying unity of reality.
Symbolism
A key motif is the ocean and its waves, symbolizing the fundamental unity of existence (the ocean) and the apparent separateness of individual beings (the waves). Another potent symbol is the concept of 'emptiness' (sunyata in Buddhism), not as nihilism, but as the ground of all potential and the absence of inherent, independent selfhood. The natural world itself often serves as a symbol for Watts, illustrating the effortless, spontaneous functioning he advocated for human life.
Modern Relevance
Watts's ideas continue to influence contemporary mindfulness movements, secular Buddhist thought, and transpersonal psychology. Thinkers and practitioners in fields ranging from consciousness studies to coaching often draw upon his accessible explanations of non-duality and ego dissolution. His emphasis on living in the present moment and questioning societal norms remains highly relevant in today's fast-paced, digitally saturated world, making his work a touchstone for those seeking deeper meaning and authenticity.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals exploring Eastern philosophies like Zen and Taoism for the first time, seeking an accessible introduction to concepts of ego and interconnectedness. • Seekers of personal growth and spiritual understanding who feel alienated by conventional societal expectations and wish to explore alternative frameworks for meaning. • Students of comparative religion and philosophy interested in mid-20th-century Western interpretations of Eastern thought, particularly Watts's influential role in popularizing these ideas.
📜 Historical Context
Alan Watts's "Become What You Are," compiled from his mid-20th century output, emerged during a vibrant period of philosophical and spiritual exchange. The post-World War II era saw a burgeoning interest in Eastern thought within Western intellectual circles, a trend significantly boosted by figures like D.T. Suzuki, who lectured extensively on Zen Buddhism in the United States starting in the 1950s. Watts, a British philosopher residing in the US, became a key popularizer of Zen and Taoist ideas, bridging the gap between these traditions and a Western audience often steeped in existentialism and Freudian psychology. His work offered a counterpoint to the often angst-ridden philosophical currents of the time, providing a more optimistic and holistic perspective on human existence. The counterculture movement of the 1960s would later embrace many of these alternative viewpoints, with Watts's accessible explanations resonating widely.
📔 Journal Prompts
The "skin-encapsulated ego" as a social construct.
Your experience of the "playful universe" versus a mechanistic one.
Moments where you have felt truly present, unburdened by past or future.
Recognizing the "interconnectedness" in a seemingly mundane event.
The challenge of "becoming what you are" versus trying to become someone else.
🗂️ Glossary
Ego
In Watts's context, the ego is not merely personality but the perceived sense of a separate, isolated self, often seen as a construct of language and social conditioning rather than an inherent reality.
Non-duality
The philosophical or spiritual concept that reality is ultimately a single, undivided whole, challenging the perceived separation between subject and object, self and other, or mind and matter.
Zen Buddhism
A school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing rigorous meditation practice (zazen) and direct experience to attain enlightenment, often distrustful of purely intellectual understanding.
Taoism
An ancient Chinese philosophy and religion advocating living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), characterized by principles of wu wei (non-action or effortless action) and naturalness.
Wu Wei
A central concept in Taoism, often translated as 'non-action' or 'effortless action.' It signifies acting in accordance with the natural flow of things, without forcing or striving.
Present Moment
The concept of living fully in the 'now,' recognizing that the past is gone and the future is yet to come, and that true reality is experienced only in the immediate present.
Interconnectedness
The understanding that all phenomena, beings, and events are fundamentally linked and interdependent, forming a unified whole rather than discrete, separate entities.
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