The Tao of Philosophy: The Edited Transcripts

Who am I? Why am I here? What is the nature of the world around me?
Alan Watts (1915 – 1973)—noted professor, graduate-school dean, Harvard University research fellow, and Episcopal priest—examines these fundamental questions from a Taoist perspective, learning to appreciate not just the bowl but the empty space within it. With down-to-earth writing he reveals our direct connection to the natural world and reminds us that we are not so much born into this world as grown out of it. This collection of eight of Watts' unique philosophical essays and an early piece written in 1953 has a brief introduction by Alan's son, Mark Watts, which gives the background of these pieces and their place in Alan Watts' life and work.

Alan Watts was born in England in 1915. He was an Episcopalian priest who became the spokesperson for Eastern religions during the late 1950s and tumultuous 60s. His first book, The Spirit of Zen, however, was written in the 30s when Watts was just 20 years old. He went on to write more than twenty other books. He died in 1973.