Background Information

First published in 1966, “The Book” addresses the idea that our identity is rooted in an illusion of separation. Watts suggests that we see ourselves as isolated entities, disconnected from the universe, which generates internal and external conflicts. He uses Vedanta philosophy to explain that the “self” is actually an integral part of the whole. Understanding this context is crucial to appreciating the depth of Watts’ ideas and their relevance in the modern world.