The Early Writings of Alan Watts: The British Years: 1931-38, Writings in Buddhism in England : Book Review

"The Early Writings of Alan Watts" is an exceptional collection of essays that provides readers with a personal glimpse into the brilliance of philosopher and writer Alan W. Watts. This book gathers some of his earliest works, composed during the 1930s and 1940s, revealing the profound philosophical ideas and insights that would shape his future thinking.

Within these pages, Watts delves into a wide range of topics, including Eastern philosophy, mysticism, the nature of reality, and the meaning of life. His essays are not only masterfully crafted and thought-provoking, but they also showcase his deep understanding of the subject matter. As readers delve into Watts' unique perspective and intellectual prowess, they become fully immersed in his expansive worldview.

One notable aspect of this collection is the accessibility of Watts' writing style. Despite the complexity of his ideas, he presents them in a clear and engaging manner, ensuring that they can be understood by both novice and seasoned philosophers. This ability to distill intricate concepts into simple, relatable terms is a testament to Watts' profound wisdom.

Moreover, this collection transcends the realm of philosophical enthusiasts; it offers profound insights into the human condition and provides guidance on how to navigate life's challenges. Watts' contemplations on happiness, the pursuit of knowledge, and the illusion of the self are deeply enlightening, encouraging readers to question their own beliefs and assumptions.

"The Early Writings of Alan Watts" is a captivating compilation of essays that showcases the intellectual development of one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. It is a true delight to read as it offers profound philosophical insights while maintaining a level of accessibility that is rare in philosophical literature. Whether you are a philosophy enthusiast or simply seek to expand your understanding of life, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be discovered.

What are readers saying?

"The Early Writings of Alan Watts" written by Alan W. Watts has garnered mixed feedback from readers. While some readers appreciate the book's thought-provoking and insightful content, others find it repetitive and lacking in depth.

Many readers commend the book for introducing them to Watts' early works, considering it an excellent starting point for those unacquainted with his writings. They particularly value the way Watts explores subjects such as Zen Buddhism, Eastern philosophy, and the nature of consciousness. Some readers find his ideas enlightening and appreciate the clarity of his writing style.

However, several reviews mention a sense of repetition throughout the book. Some readers believe that the content could have been condensed, as Watts tends to reiterate similar concepts and ideas. According to them, this repetitiveness takes away from the overall reading experience and makes the book unnecessarily lengthy.

A common criticism is that the book lacks depth and fails to provide a comprehensive exploration of the covered topics. Some readers feel that Watts' presented ideas are not thoroughly developed, leaving them desiring more in terms of analysis and explanation. They express a longing for the book to delve deeper into the philosophical concepts instead of skimming the surface.

Furthermore, a few readers find the language and writing style of the book to be outdated and challenging to follow. They struggle to engage with the content due to the verbosity of Watts' writing, finding it challenging to maintain interest and focus throughout.

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