Faith is openness to reality, not mere belief; individual existence is interconnected with the universe.
Social institutions shape perception; overlook and identification of phenomena reflect societal influences.
Deep dives
Therapy for Balance and Self-Improvement
Therapy is discussed as a tool to achieve balance in life, emphasizing the importance of self-care while aiding others. Engaging in therapy can enhance communication skills, resolve conflicts, boost self-awareness, self-esteem, and promote healthier coping mechanisms, leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
Myths Shaping Western Identity
Exploring the historical myths that Western man's identity is based on, including Judeo-Christian narratives and mechanistic views of the universe. These myths influence perceptions of intelligence, righteousness, and life's meaning, prompting a shift between an anthropomorphic universe and a mechanistic one.
Social Institutions and Perceptions
Examining the impact of social institutions on self-perception and worldviews. Social constructs like time, money, and values shape how individuals perceive reality, influencing what is noticed and accepted. The significance of overlooking and identifying certain phenomena elucidates how societies project institutions onto the world.
Picking up from our last episode, Alan elucidates faith versus belief, and how our individual existence is connected with the totality of the universe.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/alan
From his houseboat in Sausalito, CA, Alan Watts explores:
The two great myths which underly our Western sense of identity: the Judeo-Christian myth of an overly intelligent universe founded by a cosmic king; and the material myth of a universe which is mechanical, un-intelligent, and empty
The problem of “believing” in God, versus the real attitude of faith which is being open to whatever reality is
Finding out who we are beyond social institutions like time, money, value, language, and survival
How you as an individual implies by your existence everything else in the universe
“The problem about believing in God, incidentally, is that believing is the wrong attitude. Believing is a form of mistrust, because it’s saying, ‘I fervently wish that you exist, and if you don’t, I don’t know what to do with myself.’ The real attitude of faith is not believing, but simply being open to whatever reality is, and to say you don’t know.” – Alan Watts