The Nature of Man

by Alan W. Watts

Few living philosophers have communicated with as many people as Alan Watts. His books and lectures have reached millions; the clarity and directness of his thought, his honoesty and ability to distill the truth in complex ideas, have appealed to schiolar and layman alike. Here is one of nine impressive and unique books, the legacy of his lifetime of thought and teaching.

The concept of work and duty lies at the heart of Western thought. Grimly we face our goals. We see tasks as adversaries to master. We regard jobs, whether routine or creative, as projects to put behind us so that we can find pleasure elsewhere. In The Nature of Man Alan Watts shows that any activity can be a pleasure in itself. Life, he says, is a kind of dance—to be wholly enjoyed for what it is, not for where it leads.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality

63 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 1975

About the author

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.