Become what you are
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Become what you are
Alan Watts, even in posthumously collected essays, retains his uncanny ability to dissolve intellectual knots with elegant prose. 'Become What You Are' offers a potent distillation of his lifelong project: to dismantle the illusion of the separate self. Watts's strength lies in his accessible metaphors, transforming complex metaphysical ideas into readily digestible concepts. For instance, his discussion of the ego as a 'game' is particularly illuminating. However, the collection's disparate essay origins mean some themes are revisited with slight variations, occasionally leading to a sense of repetition rather than deeper exploration. A notable strength is the consistent challenge to Western notions of individuality, urging readers toward a non-dualistic perspective. The limitation, perhaps, is that for those already steeped in Eastern philosophy, the insights might feel familiar, lacking the radical edge of Watts's earlier, more confrontational works.
Ultimately, 'Become What You Are' serves as a clear and inviting entry point into Watts's philosophy.
📝 Description
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Alan Watts's 2003 collection, 'Become What You Are,' examines the self and the illusion of separation.
Published posthumously in 2003, 'Become What You Are' collects essays by Alan Watts, who became known for interpreting Eastern philosophy for Western readers. The book addresses fundamental questions about the nature of the self, the illusion that we are separate from the world, and the experience of consciousness.
Watts challenges conventional views on identity, suggesting that our perceived individuality is a construct. He discusses how societal norms and the 'game of the ego' contribute to this sense of separation. The essays invite readers to consider a more unified understanding of existence, one where the individual is not distinct from the universe itself.
Alan Watts's work stands within the mid-20th century Western engagement with Eastern thought, particularly Zen Buddhism and Taoism. Influenced by figures like D.T. Suzuki, Watts offered perspectives that contrasted with the dominant Western philosophical currents of his time, such as existentialism. His writings often sought to bridge the gap between Eastern mysticism and Western intellectual traditions, presenting concepts like the interconnectedness of all things and the identity of the individual with universal reality.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the 'game of the ego' as described by Watts, learning to recognize the constructed nature of your personal identity beyond the typical Western concept of a fixed self. • Grasp the Taoist concept of 'wu wei' (non-action) as presented by Watts, discovering how effortless action aligns with the natural flow of the universe. • Experience the philosophical implications of the perennial philosophy, as Watts articulates the idea that underlying all diverse religious and philosophical systems is a single, unified truth.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was 'Become What You Are' originally published?
'Become What You Are' was first published in 2003, many years after Alan Watts's death in 1973, gathering essays from his extensive writings.
What are the main philosophical traditions Alan Watts draws from in this book?
Watts primarily draws from Eastern traditions like Zen Buddhism and Taoism, while also engaging with Western philosophical and theological concepts to bridge understanding.
Does 'Become What You Are' offer practical exercises?
While not a manual of explicit exercises, the book encourages a shift in perspective, offering insights that can be applied to daily life through contemplation and a reevaluation of one's sense of self.
Is Alan Watts considered an esoteric writer?
Yes, Alan Watts is widely considered an esoteric writer due to his exploration of non-dualistic philosophies, mysticism, and spiritual concepts that lie outside mainstream Western thought.
What is the core message of 'Become What You Are'?
The core message is the dissolution of the illusion of a separate self, encouraging the reader to realize their fundamental unity with the universe, often referred to by concepts like the Tao or Brahman.
Where can I find more works by Alan Watts?
Beyond 'Become What You Are,' further works by Alan Watts include 'The Wisdom of Insecurity,' 'The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are,' and 'Psychotherapy East and West.'
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Illusion of the Separate Self
Watts relentlessly deconstructs the Western notion of the ego as a distinct, isolated entity. He argues that this perceived separation is the root of anxiety and suffering. The book proposes that our 'self' is not a solid, independent core but rather a process, intrinsically linked to the entire universe. This perspective challenges individuals to question their fundamental assumptions about identity and existence, moving towards a realization of interconnectedness, a concept central to many Eastern mystical traditions and Watts's interpretation of them.
Non-Duality and the Tao
Central to Watts's philosophy, especially in 'Become What You Are,' is the concept of non-duality – the understanding that ultimate reality is a unified whole, without inherent divisions. He often uses the Taoist concept of the Tao to represent this ineffable, underlying principle of existence. The book suggests that by recognizing this unity, one can experience liberation from the constraints of dualistic thinking (e.g., good/evil, self/other), aligning with the natural, spontaneous flow of life, much like water follows the path of least resistance.
The Present Moment
Watts emphasizes the profound significance of the present moment, often overlooked in our preoccupation with the past or future. He posits that life is not a linear progression but a continuous 'now.' The fixation on a future goal or a past event blinds us to the richness of immediate experience. By learning to inhabit the present fully, one can overcome the anxiety of 'becoming' and appreciate the inherent completeness of existence as it unfolds, aligning with the spontaneous nature of reality.
Playfulness of Existence
Challenging the often serious and striving nature of human endeavor, Watts presents existence as fundamentally playful. He suggests that the universe itself is a cosmic game, and our attempts to rigidly control or define ourselves and our reality are often misguided. Embracing this playful aspect means engaging with life with a sense of lightness, spontaneity, and acceptance, rather than with the burden of achieving a fixed outcome. This attitude fosters a more joyful and less anxious way of being.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Trying to manage things, trying to force things to conform to your will, is like trying to swim upstream.”
— This highlights Watts's critique of control and striving. He suggests that our attempts to impose our will upon reality are often futile and lead to frustration, contrasting this with the efficacy of aligning with natural processes.
“The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
— This interpretation of change emphasizes active participation rather than resistance. Watts encourages embracing flux and impermanence as fundamental aspects of life, suggesting that understanding comes from experiencing, not from intellectual detachment.
“You are not a separate entity trying to achieve something; you are the universe realizing itself.”
— This profound statement expresses the core of Watts's non-dualistic philosophy. It reframes the individual from an isolated agent to an expression of a larger, cosmic consciousness, dissolving the boundary between self and universe.
“The ego, in its frantic attempt to preserve itself, creates the very problems it seeks to avoid.”
— This points to the self-defeating nature of the ego's fixation on self-preservation. Watts suggests that the ego's efforts to maintain its illusion of separateness paradoxically lead to the anxiety, fear, and isolation it seeks to escape.
“The world is not something outside you; you are an integral part of it.”
— This reinforces the concept of interconnectedness. Watts argues against the common perception of humanity as separate from nature or the cosmos, positing instead a fundamental unity where the individual is inseparable from the whole.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Watts's work is deeply rooted in the perennial philosophy, synthesizing insights from Eastern traditions like Zen Buddhism and Taoism with elements of Western mysticism and psychology. He doesn't strictly adhere to a single lineage but draws upon the common threads of non-dualistic thought found across various spiritual paths. His approach can be seen as a modern, Western interpretation of these ancient wisdom traditions, aiming to make their core principles accessible and relevant to contemporary life.
Symbolism
A key motif in Watts's work is the 'wave and the ocean.' The wave, representing the individual ego or a transient phenomenon, is ultimately revealed to be nothing other than the ocean itself. This symbolizes the illusion of separateness and the underlying unity of all existence. Another recurring symbol is the 'Tao,' representing the ineffable, fundamental principle of the universe, often described through paradox and negation, embodying a natural, spontaneous order that operates beyond human comprehension or control.
Modern Relevance
Watts's exploration of non-duality and the critique of the ego continues to resonate with contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields such as mindfulness, contemplative psychology, and integral theory. Modern mindfulness movements often echo his emphasis on present moment awareness and the deconstruction of self-referential thought. His work is also referenced by proponents of transpersonal psychology and those exploring the intersection of science and spirituality, highlighting the enduring appeal of his accessible articulation of complex Eastern philosophies.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals new to Eastern philosophy: Watts provides an accessible, engaging introduction to concepts like non-duality, Zen, and Taoism, translating complex ideas into relatable language. • Seekers questioning the nature of self and reality: Those experiencing existential unease or curious about the illusion of a separate self will find Watts's arguments compelling and liberating. • Students of comparative religion and mysticism: Readers interested in the perennial philosophy and the common threads connecting diverse spiritual traditions will appreciate Watts's synthesis.
📜 Historical Context
Alan Watts's writings, including the material collected in 'Become What You Are,' emerged in the fertile intellectual range of the mid-20th century. This era saw a significant influx of Eastern philosophies into Western discourse, partly catalyzed by scholars like D.T. Suzuki, whose work on Zen Buddhism gained traction in the 1950s. Watts, an engaging lecturer and writer, became a primary conduit for these ideas, bridging the gap between Eastern mysticism and Western psychology and philosophy. His work offered a counterpoint to the prevailing existentialist currents, which often focused on individual freedom and responsibility in a seemingly meaningless universe, and the analytical philosophy dominant in academia. While figures like Carl Jung explored Eastern concepts, Watts provided a more direct and accessible interpretation of Taoism and Buddhism for a broader audience. His popularity sometimes drew criticism from academic circles, but his influence on the counterculture and subsequent spiritual movements was undeniable, marking a significant moment in the cross-cultural exchange of spiritual and philosophical ideas.
📔 Journal Prompts
The concept of the 'game of the ego' and its role in perceived separation.
Reflecting on the 'wave and the ocean' metaphor as applied to personal identity.
The practice of 'wu wei' (non-action) in daily decision-making.
Identifying instances where the present moment is overlooked due to past or future preoccupation.
Exploring the idea of existence as a cosmic play rather than a serious endeavor.
🗂️ Glossary
Ego
In Watts's context, the ego is not merely vanity but the sense of being a separate, independent self, an illusion he argues is the source of much human anxiety and conflict.
Non-duality
The philosophical or spiritual view that reality is ultimately a unified whole, without inherent divisions or separations between seemingly distinct entities, such as self and other.
Tao
A fundamental concept in Taoism, referring to the natural order of the universe, the ineffable source and underlying principle of all existence, often translated as 'the Way'.
Wu Wei
A Taoist principle often translated as 'non-action' or 'effortless action.' It refers to acting in accordance with the natural flow of things, without force or excessive striving.
Perennial Philosophy
The idea, popularized by Aldous Huxley, that all major religious and spiritual traditions share a common, underlying truth or wisdom about the nature of reality and the divine.
Brahman
A central concept in Hinduism, referring to the ultimate reality or supreme cosmic spirit that is the source and sustainer of all existence, often equated with the absolute.
The Now
Watts's term for the present moment, emphasizing its ultimate reality and the futility of living solely in anticipation of the future or in reflection of the past.
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