After Skool The Art of Making Decisions - Alan Watts | After Skool
Sep 17, 2025
A farmer's tale illustrates the balance between instinct and decision-making, revealing how overthinking can paralyze us. Alan Watts dives into the nature of anxiety surrounding choices, emphasizing that the complexities and unknowns often overwhelm us. He highlights the importance of embracing uncertainty, encouraging a more intuitive approach to life. This thought-provoking discussion merges philosophy with practicality, inspiring listeners to make decisions with confidence and clarity.
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The Farmer And The Extraordinary Worker
- Alan Watts tells a farmer story about a remarkable worker who quickly accomplishes huge tasks on the farm.
- The farmer struggles to classify crops and realizes the work leads to endless decisions about potatoes and tasks.
Decisions Breed Anxiety But Often Work
- Watts observes that decision-making generates anxiety because we can never consider infinite data.
- He concludes many decisions succeed despite limited conscious control or exhaustive thought.
Decide Quickly When Data Is Infinite
- Stop overthinking variables you cannot control and make the decision quickly when needed.
- Act on a vague idea when appropriate because often spontaneous choices still lead to good outcomes.