What will I learn about: You are not an isolated individual separated from the world, but an interconnected, flowing expression of the entire universe?

You are not an isolated individual separated from the world, but an interconnected, flowing expression of the entire universe.

What will I learn about: True living happens exclusively in the present moment, which is best navigated through Wu Wei, or the art of effortless action?

True living happens exclusively in the present moment, which is best navigated through Wu Wei, or the art of effortless action.

What will I learn about: Attempting to control and secure every aspect of life prevents you from enjoying the ride; instead, life should be embraced as an unpredictable, unfolding mystery?

Attempting to control and secure every aspect of life prevents you from enjoying the ride; instead, life should be embraced as an unpredictable, unfolding mystery.

What will I learn about: Spiritual enlightenment is not a distant goal to be chased, but a reality found by letting go of rigid expectations and noticing the divine in ordinary, everyday moments?

Spiritual enlightenment is not a distant goal to be chased, but a reality found by letting go of rigid expectations and noticing the divine in ordinary, everyday moments.

What will I learn about: You do not need to strive to become an improved, future version of yourself, because you already are exactly what you are seeking to be?

You do not need to strive to become an improved, future version of yourself, because you already are exactly what you are seeking to be.

Become What You Are

Discover Your True Self Through the Wisdom of World Religions

Alan Watts

★ 4.5 / 5(206 ratings)

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Categories:

Religion & Spirituality Personal Development Philosophy

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡How does shifting your self-perception from a static 'noun' to a flowing 'verb' change the way you interact with the world around you?
💡What is the ancient concept of Wu Wei, and how can applying 'effortless effort' actually make you more effective in our hyper-productive modern society?
💡Why does the author argue that chasing absolute security is like 'nailing jelly to a wall,' and how can embracing life's uncertainties lead to greater joy?

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Key Takeaways from Become What You Are

✓You are not an isolated individual separated from the world, but an interconnected, flowing expression of the entire universe.
✓True living happens exclusively in the present moment, which is best navigated through Wu Wei, or the art of effortless action.
✓Attempting to control and secure every aspect of life prevents you from enjoying the ride; instead, life should be embraced as an unpredictable, unfolding mystery.
✓Spiritual enlightenment is not a distant goal to be chased, but a reality found by letting go of rigid expectations and noticing the divine in ordinary, everyday moments.
✓You do not need to strive to become an improved, future version of yourself, because you already are exactly what you are seeking to be.

Learning Tools

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Mind Map

Become What You Are

The Illusion of Separateness+

Right Now (The Present)+

The Paradox of Insecurity+

The Art of Letting Go+

Becoming What You Already Are+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6

How does Alan Watts suggest we view our identity in relation to the universe?

A. As a static noun that must build its own separate meaning.
B. As an isolated island disconnected from the rest of the world.
C. As a flowing process or 'verb' that is an expression of the entire universe.
D. As a drop of water that eventually evaporates into nothingness.

Question 2 of 6

What does the ancient concept of 'Wu Wei' represent in the context of Watts' philosophy?

A. The act of completely giving up all responsibilities to become a hermit.
B. Effortless effort, like a leaf floating down a stream or surfing a wave.
C. A strict time management technique to maximize daily productivity.
D. The continuous struggle to control one's environment and future.

Question 3 of 6

According to the text, why is the pursuit of absolute security in life ultimately frustrating?

A. Because society constantly changes its rules and expectations.
B. Because true security can only be found by accumulating material wealth.
C. Because life is a flowing, changing mystery, and trying to fix it in place is like trying to nail jelly to a wall.
D. Because we lack the proper five-year plans to anticipate unexpected challenges.

Question 4 of 6

How does Watts view the pursuit of grand spiritual experiences or enlightenment?

A. It requires strict discipline and letting go of all material possessions.
B. It is unnecessary because the divine is already present in everyday moments, like the steam from a coffee cup.
C. It is a necessary journey that requires years of deep meditation to achieve 'no-self.'
D. It is only possible once a person completely separates themselves from the physical world.

Question 5 of 6

What metaphor does the text use to describe the human tendency to constantly strive for a 'future, improved version' of oneself?

A. A caterpillar waiting to turn into a butterfly.
B. A mountain climber trying to reach an impossibly high peak.
C. A dog endlessly chasing its own tail.
D. A farmer waiting for seeds to grow in the winter.

Question 6 of 6

Ultimately, what is the required action to 'become what you already are'?

A. To diligently create a new, enlightened persona through rigorous practice.
B. To completely detach from society and live entirely in the mind.
C. To simply stop striving, notice, and wake up to the reality that is already here.
D. To solve the ultimate problems of life before allowing oneself to be happy.

Become What You Are — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2The illusion of being separate
3The present moment
4Zen and the paradox of feeling insecure
5The practice of letting go
6Becoming who you already are
7Final summary

Become What You Are Summary & Overview

Becoming What You Are (1995) is a collection of essays that explore the intersection of Eastern philosophy and Western thought. The book offers a refreshing perspective on life, encouraging readers to embrace their true nature and live in harmony with the universe by letting go of societal constructs and finding peace in the present moment.

Who Should Listen to Become What You Are ?

Spiritual seekers and those interested in personal growth
People exploring alternative perspectives on self-identity and consciousness
Anyone questioning their place in the world

About the Author: Alan Watts

Alan Watts (1915–1973) was a British-American philosopher, writer, and speaker renowned for popularizing Eastern philosophy in the West. His influential works include The Way of Zen (1957), Nature, Man and Woman (1958), and The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (1966). Watts held various academic positions, including a fellowship at Harvard University and a professorship at the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Vermont in 1968 for his contributions to the field of comparative religion.

Become What You Are

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Become What You Are — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Become What You Are

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Become What You Are — Full Chapter Overview

Become What You Are Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Become What You Are ?

About the Author: Alan Watts

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