Adventures in Nutopia The Wiggly World of Alan Watts
Oct 29, 2024
Alan Watts, a captivating entertainer philosopher and esteemed expert on Eastern philosophy, shares his insights on the playful nature of existence and the illusion of success. He critiques traditional views of societal achievement, encouraging listeners to seek deeper fulfillment. Watts explores the significance of interconnectedness, urging awareness of polarities in life. Through anecdotes, he highlights the importance of viewing life as a dance, promoting compassion amidst societal divides and championing the beauty of imagination in our personal narratives.
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The Universe as Play
- The universe can be seen as a cosmic game where we play all the parts.
- Through us, the universe hides and seeks itself, a concept called Leela, or the divine play.
Watts' Early Embrace of Buddhism
- At 15, Alan Watts declared himself a Buddhist at his Anglican boarding school.
- He sought a philosophy where he could "swing," finding it in Zen Buddhism and Taoism.
The Wiggly World
- The physical world is "wiggly" and interconnected, with no separate things.
- Watts argues there are no nouns in nature, only in speech, as we create artificial divisions.
