Alan W. Watts

"Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth."

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and populariser of Asian philosophies for a Western audience.

He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.

One of his most popular books is The Way of Zen, a classic title that explores the origins and history of Zen, and introduces this Buddhist belief to the western world. Watts also penned The Wisdom of Insecurity, a book that explores finding fulfillment by embracing the present.

In There Is Never Anything But The Present, Watts offers a variety of quotes and wisdom for life, and in The Meaning of Happiness, he suggests that genuine happiness comes from embracing life as a whole.

Meet Alan W. Watts

Alan W. Watts was born in Kent, England in 1915, and passed away in 1973. He was an only child, and grew up with an interest in religion, as well as fables and tales from the Far East.

His maternal grandfather had been a missionary and had spent time in China, often bringing back artworks and other items from the east that fascinated the young Alan. Alan eventually sought memberships with the London Buddhist Lodge, and became their secretary at just 16 years of age.

After studying at The King’s School in Canterbury, he went on to work at a printing house and a bank, but still spent his spare time at the Buddhist Lodge. At 21, he attended the World Congress of Faiths in London, and continued to study everything he could on Indian and East Asian philosophy.

He published his first book, The Spirit of Zen in 1936, although he later disparaged the work as being “very unscholarly”, and “out of date and misleading.”

For the next few decades, Watts continued to publish works cover philosophical and religious themes. He also spoke on a weekly radio program, gave talks and seminars, and even recorded two seasons of a television series, Eastern Wisdom and Modern Life.

What subjects and themes does Alan W. Watts write about?

Watts wrote on comparative religion and Eastern philosophies for Western readers, especially Zen Buddhism. Recurring themes include personal identity, the nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts of God, and the non-material pursuit of happiness.

Which of his books is best to start with?

For an introduction to Zen, The Way of Zen is widely regarded as accessible. For his approach to living in the present, The Wisdom of Insecurity is a good starting point; The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are is useful for exploring identity.

Are Alan Watts' books part of a series or meant to be read in order?

Most of Watts' works are standalone books rather than a series, so there is no required reading order. You can read any title based on the topic that interests you—Zen, identity, psychology, or practical philosophy.

Which of his works are considered most influential or popular?

The Way of Zen is one of his best-known and most influential titles. Other frequently cited works include The Wisdom of Insecurity, The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, The Meaning of Happiness, and collections like There Is Never Anything But The Present.

Did he write both popular and more academic works?

Yes. Watts published accessible popular books and lectures introducing Eastern thought, as well as more scholarly-leaning titles such as Psychotherapy East & West and essays collected in volumes like Does It Matter? and Nature, Man and Woman. He also wrote an autobiography, In My Own Way.