The Meaning of Happiness

by Alan Watts
The Meaning of Happiness cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 1707
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781608685400
  • Publisher: New World Library
  • Published: 2018-07-17
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Meaning of Happiness,' Alan Watts presents a groundbreaking perspective on happiness, suggesting that it is not found in possessions or achievements but in accepting life as a whole. Drawing from Eastern philosophy, Western mysticism, and analytic psychology, Watts explores the concept of 'the way of acceptance,' where happiness is derived from embracing both the rational and irrational aspects of our existence. /n/n Written early in his career, this book showcases Watts' signature style—clear writing, engaging analogies, and a wealth of knowledge—that would later cement his status as a influential philosopher. The text delves into the unconscious mind and the paradoxes of life, offering a profound and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · becklabeck · 2025-10-08
enlightening 4.50

The book explores human happiness from Christian, psychological, and Eastern philosophical perspectives, with Alan Watts linking these concepts effectively.

The reviewer praises Alan Watts for his ability to seamlessly connect Christianity, psychology, and Eastern philosophy in exploring human happiness. They find the book to be a comprehensive and insightful read that offers a holistic view of the subject. The reviewer particularly appreciates how Watts bridges these diverse perspectives, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding happiness from multiple angles.

Quick quotes

    This book talks about human happiness from the perspective of Christianity, psychology, and eastern philosophy.

    In linking all three, Alan Watts explains ...

    The message that I resonate the most with is that “we do not “come into” this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree.

Goodreads · 2025-10-08
insightful 4.00

The book explores concepts of happiness, life, and non-material pursuits, relating personal experiences to scientific knowledge.

This book delves into the essence of happiness, connecting it with various philosophical and scientific ideas. It's a thought-provoking read that challenges readers to think differently about life and happiness. The reviewer highlights how the book bridges personal experiences with broader scientific concepts, making it a compelling read for those interested in philosophy and psychology. The narrative is engaging and provides a fresh perspective on the pursuit of happiness.

Quick quotes

    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.

    This volume is suggestive and refreshing in that it recognizes happiness as the elusive and intangible reality which it is.

4Booksake · 2025-03-24
inspiring 4.50

The book resonates with the idea that we are part of the world, not separate from it, using the metaphor of leaves on a tree.

The reviewer finds the book to be a refreshing and thought-provoking read that challenges conventional views on happiness. They particularly resonate with the idea that we are not separate from the world but are an integral part of it, much like leaves on a tree. This perspective is both comforting and empowering, offering readers a new way to view their place in the world. The book's message is both timeless and timely, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of happiness.

Quick quotes

    The message that I resonate the most with is that “we do not “come into” this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree.

    As the ocean “ ...

    This volume is suggestive and refreshing in that it recognizes happiness as the elusive and intangible reality which it is.

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