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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Book summary
On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
17 mins
Brief summary
"The Book" by Alan W. Watts is a philosophical exploration of human consciousness and its relationship to the universe. Through diverse perspectives, the book challenges readers to question their assumptions and seek a more profound understanding of existence.
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The Book
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
Few taboos remain in Western society, except the truth about what it means to be human.
As society moves from one generation to the next, we tend to shed taboos along the way.
In many societies, sex was the major taboo. In Japan, families were far too embarrassed to speak openly about sexual matters. Instead, young newly-wed couples were traditionally given a “pillow book” for their honeymoon, containing details of sexual positions and letting the couple know everything they needed to know about lovemaking.
In today’s Western culture, sex is hardly a taboo anymore. Instead, you can find it being used on billboards to sell products and referred to in most pop songs.
But one important taboo has remained, and it’s the discussion about what it means to be human.
Often, the way in which we define and understand ourselves as human beings is wrong. We think that each person is a unique organism, living a life that is completely separate from those of others and the environment.
This misunderstanding of our place in the world is apparent in how we speak: Phrases like “we came into the world,” or a person who “must face reality,” all suggest that we see ourselves as belonging to some entirely distinct and unique world or other reality.
But this is all an illusion and self-deception on our part. The truth is, we’re born from the world, not into it.
Much as the ocean creates waves, the planet earth creates people. While each wave is a movement happening on the surface of the ocean, it isn’t separate from the ocean or created any differently than another wave. The same is true of every person on the planet.
Nevertheless, we continue to think of ourselves as unique, independent individuals.
In the next blink, we’ll take an even closer look at the ways in which we deceive ourselves.
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What is The Book about?
The Book (1966) is about the big questions in life. What’s the meaning of it all? Where do we really exist in the universe? Author Alan Watts guides the reader on a voyage of discovery that questions popular assumptions about what’s important in life, how the universe functions, and the nature of God.
The Book Review
The Book (1966) by Alan W. Watts is a thought-provoking exploration of our fundamental understanding of reality and the nature of being. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Delving into philosophical and metaphysical concepts, it challenges readers to question their beliefs and expand their perspective.
- With an engaging writing style, it presents complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy to comprehend.
- Through riveting examples and reflections, the book captivates readers by offering profound insights into the human experience and the mysteries of existence.
Best quote from The Book
We do not need a new religion or a new Bible. We need a new experience – a new feeling of what it is to be I.
—Alan W. Watts
Who should read The Book?
- Spiritual seekers
- Students of theology or religion
- Readers interested in Eastern philosophies
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The Book FAQs
What is the main message of The Book?
The main message of The Book is deepening our understanding of ourselves and the world.
How long does it take to read The Book?
The reading time for The Book varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Book a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Book is a thought-provoking read. It offers valuable insights into life and philosophy.
Who is the author of The Book?
The author of The Book is Alan W. Watts.
What to read after The Book?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Book, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
- On Having No Head by Douglas Harding
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Do Pause by Robert Poynton
- The Way of Zen by Alan W. Watts
- What Are You Doing with Your Life? by Jiddu Krishnamurti
- Focal Point by Brian Tracy
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- The Power of Instinct by Leslie Zane