The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East by Alan Watts


The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East
Title : The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1608685403
ISBN-10 : 978-1608685400
Language : English
Format Type : Pocketbok
Number of Pages : 280 pages
Publication : New World Library

Deep down, most people think that happiness comes from having or doing something. Here, in Alan Wattss groundbreaking third book (originally published in 1940), he offers a challenging thesis: authentic happiness comes from embracing life as a whole in all its contradictions and paradoxes, an attitude that Watts calls the way of acceptance. Drawing on Eastern philosophy, Western mysticism, and analytic psychology, Watts demonstrates that happiness comes from accepting both the outer world around us and the inner world inside us the unconscious mind, with its irrational desires, lurking beyond the awareness of the ego. Although written early in his career, The Meaning of Happiness displays the hallmarks of his mature style: the crystal clear writing, the homespun analogies, the dry wit, and the breadth of knowledge that made Alan Watts one of the most influential philosophers of his generation.

The Meaning of Happiness: The Quest for Freedom of the Spirit in Modern Psychology and the Wisdom of the East Reviews

  • smalsus

    After reading other books by Alan Watts as well as listening to his audio tapes from seminars, my expectations were considerably high when ordering The Meaning of Happiness. But once I started to read it, I was a little disappointed by his approach to deliver the answer. In this specific edition I could sense the complexity to articulate the main idea and diving in way too many rants for extended periods of time. It was not an easy read. I missed his light, invigorating and efficient style of presenting an idea and philosophy which was most visible in The Book.

  • Jess

    I gave it as a gift and was told it was a very good read, a little on the harder side to understand but all in all enjoyable. The shipping was far quicker than expected (was told it would take a few days and it came the next day) and it looked completely new, no scuff marks or anything.

  • Unbekannt

    It was a great delight reading this. Every line was worth it. In particular, I loved the utilization of the biblical prodigal son to compare it with the seif conscious civilized man (prodigal son) and the child, animal or savage (elder son).

  • Small Warrior

    One of his best worksand so young when written too. A spectacular read. He has a way of bridging not only the divide of understanding and knowledge of the eastern ways but also include the philosophy and ethos of the west. Cannot read enough of Allan. A gift to the world.

  • majesticnarwhale

    i cant believe the knowledge this man had at the age of 21. a complete genius. with a well rounded knowledge of all there is to know. he has greatly inspired me, i wish he were still around and i can only hope to incarnate some of his wisdom in my travels of this world.