The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are-Alan Watts

Profile Books Ltd

Explore the profound concepts of self and existence with Alan Watts' "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are." This seminal work challenges the illusion of the separate ego, revealing how our identity is intrinsically linked to the universe. Watts argues that this perceived separation leads to alienation and destructive behaviors towards our environment and technology. Discover a new understanding of personal identity, where you are an expression of the cosmos, not merely an isolated entity. This book offers a path away from the feelings of detachment prevalent in Western society and provides a vision for realizing our cosmic self. Watts critiques Western culture and its focus on goal-oriented living, consumerism, and adversarial thinking. He draws upon Vedanta philosophy to explain how individuals are the center of the universe and how this understanding can heal our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Key themes include: - The illusion of the separate self - Our connection to the universe - Critiques of Western culture and consumerism - Eastern philosophy and Vedanta - Finding meaning and overcoming alienation This paperback edition is written in English and spans 176 pages, offering a timeless exploration of who we truly are.