The Wisdom of Insecurity

by Alan Watts
The Wisdom of Insecurity cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 1699
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 1951-01-01
  • Reviews: 2

In 'The Wisdom of Insecurity,' Alan Watts explores the modern predicament of anxiety and the constant struggle to control the future while dwelling on the past. He argues that true wisdom comes from accepting the unknown and fully embracing the present moment. Drawing from Eastern philosophy and religion, Watts offers a compelling case for living a more fulfilling life by letting go of our need for certainty. The book features an introduction by Deepak Chopra, adding a contemporary perspective to Watts' timeless teachings. Watts' work is a call to action for readers to shift their focus from the distractions of the past and future to the richness of the now. By acknowledging what we cannot know, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding and a more peaceful existence. This book is a guide to finding inner peace and contentment in an uncertain world.

Reviews
Jessica Davidson · Jessica Davidson · 2019-08-06
insightful 4.20

The reviewer highlights the book's exploration of humanity's doomed quest for security and its impossibility. She finds the book insightful and thought-provoking.

Jessica Davidson's review delves into the core theme of 'The Wisdom of Insecurity,' which she describes as an exploration of humanity's doomed quest for psychological security. She finds the book insightful, particularly in its demonstration of the impossibility of achieving lasting security. Davidson appreciates how Watts uses various examples to illustrate his points, making the book both accessible and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The Wisdom of Insecurity explores our doomed quest for psychological security and demonstrates, through many examples, the impossibility of ever finding it.

    The book is insightful, particularly in its demonstration of the impossibility of achieving lasting security.

    Watts uses various examples to illustrate his points, making the book both accessible and thought-provoking.

Scott H. Young · Scott H. Young · 2017-02-23
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a classic, drawing on Watts' expertise in Eastern and Western philosophy. They highlight its relevance to modern life and its thought-provoking nature.

Scott H. Young considers 'The Wisdom of Insecurity' a classic work, drawing on Alan Watts' deep understanding of both Eastern philosophy and Western thought. He finds the book particularly relevant to modern life, where the search for security and certainty is a pervasive theme. Young appreciates how Watts challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on uncertainty.

Quick quotes

    The Wisdom of Insecurity is a classic book which draws on Watts' extensive experience both in Eastern philosophy and Western thought.

    The book is particularly relevant to modern life, where the search for security and certainty is a pervasive theme.

    Watts challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on uncertainty.

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