The Book

On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

By: Alan Watts

Narrated by: John Lee

A revelatory primer on what it means to be human and a mind-opening manual of initiation into the central mystery of existence, by “perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West" (Los Angeles Times).

At the root of human conflict is our fundamental misunderstanding of who we are. The illusion that we are isolated beings, unconnected to the rest of the universe, has led us to view the “outside” world with hostility, and has fueled our misuse of technology and our violent and hostile subjugation of the natural world. To help us understand that the self is in fact the root and ground of the universe, Alan Watts provides us with a much-needed answer to the problem of personal identity, distilling and adapting the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta.

Critic reviews

“Perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West, Watts had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable.’” —Los Angeles Times

"[Watts is] the perfect guide for a course correction in life." —Deepak Chopra

Another one of those Bedside Pickup Daily Books

Watts has created one of those valuable Reference Books whose role is to remind you to practice being who you are by telling you not to try so hard.

Don’t let yourself be put in a box by Parents, School. Corporation, or Society. Or even by his Books that you might have read.

This is the ultimate Zen or Tao “Bible”. Four Stars. **** It would have been Five but his teachings come at you so fast that you have to go back and hear them over and over.

Must read for everyone, everywhere

The clear and simple honesty combined with wit and wisdom. This book should be on all people’s reading list and especially those who profess to teach others anything.

A Must Read!

Alan Watts has done it again. This book will help remove the vail placed on our concept of self by society. If you are on a journey of discovery and spirituality, this book is a must read!

Deep Thought

This book stretched my mind to think out of box. I enjoy a challenge that causes me to question what I believe & why. Good job Mr. Watts.

As good as ever

Read this for the first time fifteen years ago. The audiobook presentation is superb and the text stands the test of time.