Book Club: Alan Watts -- The Book {on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are}
Details
This week we will talk about some of the ideas of Alan Watts, especially those presented in The Book. It's short, plentiful, and in my opinion well worth reading. Feel free to show up even if you have not read it, but some of the discussion may be enriched by prior familiarity with Watts' material. We will pay special attention to the considerations of the "self" (or no-self!). What you are. What are you?
In case you choose not to read the book, or alternatively you read the book and want more, here are links to a few Alan Watts tidbits from YouTube. During his life, Watts recorded many hundreds of hours of talks, and the internet has magnificently arranged most of them for our easy free access. Google him-- you will find stuff if you want stuff. Here are a few:
Alan Watts animated by South Park Creators (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YgEhvZDZVg)
Most of the videos are like that one-- Watts audio with something else to occupy the eyes. It can help sometimes to have an idea about someone if you get to see them while you hear them, so here is one short one where you can see the guy.
Alan Watts on Time and Causal Influence
Is Life Serious? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM6UxWGBH7k)