Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Read. Sporatic at times
Review: While the concepts and philosophies of Alan Watts, as presented in this book, are interesting, enlightening and challening, you will find yourself re-reading whole passages. Why? The thought process of Watts is like his philosophies: they "go with the flow". Reading this book is at times like the scene in Rocky when Rocky Balboa is chasing the chickens around his backyard. You will want so to grasp ahold of the ideas, but the ideas keep running in circles.
I definately recommend reading this book. But be forewarned, you will want to read it twice, and maybe 3 times just to grasp its overall message.
The philosophy presented in "THE BOOK" at times was brilliant, but also unrealistic. Complete seperation from the ego because there is no I is the sweeping premise. We are the universe, and the universe is us. Just be you, unhindered, etc.
Some of the generalizations Watts makes are a tad too much for me. The pursuit of money is bad, striving to feed the hungry is bad, just be you, and go with the flow around you.
Sometimes the world needs you to pick up your ego and take charge. I can say this: I wouldn't want to live in a world of Watt's clones.
While there is much appreciation for the experience, it is much to idealistic of a philosophy to be a nature human pursuit. "trying on" this view could be likened to balancing a running chainsaw on your nose...it won't stay that way for long!
Watt's believes the ego, and I, do not exist. I'm not sold on this. Don't jump ship on your spirituality just yet! The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are doesn't have much in common with the human heart, and the human reality.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Read. Sporatic at times
Review: While the concepts and philosophies of Alan Watts, as presented in this book, are interesting, enlightening and challening, you will find yourself re-reading whole passages. Why? Watts thoguth process is like his philosohpies, they "go with the flow". Reading this book at times is like the scene in Rocky when Rocky Balboa is chasing the chickens around his backyard. You will want so to grasp ahold of the ideas, but the ideas keep running in circles.I definately recommend reading this boo. But be forewrned, you will want to read it twice, and maybe 3 times just to grasp its overall message. The philosophy presented in "THE BOOK" at times was brilliant, but also unrealistic. Complete seperation from the ego because there is no I is the sweeping premise. We are the universe, and the universe is us. Just be you, unhindered, etc. Some of the generalizations Watts makes are a tad too much for me. The pursuit of money is bad, striving to feed the hungry is bad, just be you, and go with the flow around you. Sometimes the world needs you to pick up your ego and take charge. I can say this: I wouldn't want to live in a world of Watt's clones. While there is much appreciation for the experience, it is much to idealistic of a philosophy to be a nature human pursuit. "trying on" this view could be likened to balancing a running chainsaw on your nose...it won't stay that way for long! Watt's believes the ego, and I, do not exist. I'm not sold on this. Don't jump ship on your spirituality just yet! The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are doesn't have much in common with the human heart, and the human reality.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: _The Book: on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are_ is the quintessential 60's counter-culture book. It is a great place to start reading philosophy if you are an amateur, and used to reading only fiction. It is also a refreshing change of pace for the most grizzled veterans of old-school German philosophy. This is the kind of book that can renew your faith in the possibility of communicating profound ideas without having to use a dense and impenetrable style of prose. Granted, it is not exactly a monumental literary achievement, but this is only because it is so short. But page for page, it is just as potent and profound as any other book ever written. Because of its slim profile, it is not a very intimidating book, so I encourage readers of all skill levels to give this one a try. If you're like me this book will only make you want to read more Alan Watts. I encourage you to also read: _Behold the Spirit_, _Psychotherapy East and West_, _The Two Hands of God_, and _Myth and Ritual in Christianity_, all by Alan Watts. This book is only the tip of the iceberg. Buy this book, realize how great an author Alan Watts is, and then get into the real meat of his works. Even if some of these are out of print, someway, somehow you must try to find them, and discover one of the greatest American writers ever to have lived.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: _The Book: on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are_ is the quintessential 60's counter-culture book. It is a great place to start reading philosophy if you are an amateur, and used to reading only fiction. It is also a refreshing change of pace for the most grizzled veterans of old-school German philosophy. This is the kind of book that can renew your faith in the possibility of communicating profound ideas without having to use a dense and impenetrable style of prose. Granted, it is not exactly a monumental literary achievement, but this is only because it is so short. But page for page, it is just as potent and profound as any other book ever written. Because of its slim profile, it is not a very intimidating book, so I encourage readers of all skill levels to give this one a try. If you're like me this book will only make you want to read more Alan Watts. I encourage you to also read: _Behold the Spirit_, _Psychotherapy East and West_, _The Two Hands of God_, and _Myth and Ritual in Christianity_, all by Alan Watts. This book is only the tip of the iceberg. Buy this book, realize how great an author Alan Watts is, and then get into the real meat of his works. Even if some of these are out of print, someway, somehow you must try to find them, and discover one of the greatest American writers ever to have lived.
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