The Philosophy Of Alan Watts - Making Sense Of Senselessness

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @bremeracosta2728
    @bremeracosta2728 5 років тому +3706

    “We do not 'come into' this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean 'waves,' the universe 'peoples.'"
    Alan Watts

    • @Linkolite
      @Linkolite 5 років тому +76

      This is probably one of the most profound statements I've ever heard, honestly.

    • @aw1300
      @aw1300 5 років тому +61

      “Let me help you said the monkey to the fish putting him safely up a tree.”

    • @SebastianGonzalez-gx5ji
      @SebastianGonzalez-gx5ji 5 років тому +12

      the apple tree apples

    • @AJ-rm3vo
      @AJ-rm3vo 5 років тому +3

      @@SebastianGonzalez-gx5ji just as the planet peoples

    • @daithiocinnsealach1982
      @daithiocinnsealach1982 5 років тому +23

      If this is true then what higher purpose does humanity have than to raise healthy balanced children?

  • @vernai_
    @vernai_ 5 років тому +848

    "The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced" - Alan Watts

    • @alexanderalset3052
      @alexanderalset3052 4 роки тому +4

      this quote is actually by Frank Herbert

    • @alonespirit_1Q84
      @alonespirit_1Q84 4 роки тому +1

      @Rebecca Leeman Right...

    • @fatmayo2293
      @fatmayo2293 4 роки тому +1

      If you believe life is a mystery that is....

    • @Wewereneveryoung
      @Wewereneveryoung 4 роки тому +1

      But why do I have to experience it for sooo looong 😩

    • @takeuchi5760
      @takeuchi5760 3 роки тому +10

      @@alexanderalset3052 no, genius, pretty sure it was kierkegaard.

  • @flavialuz8795
    @flavialuz8795 5 років тому +2043

    Alan Watts is the best friend you didn't know you needed. ✌🙂

    • @KekeeBlack
      @KekeeBlack 5 років тому +10

      For sure

    • @333-u9o
      @333-u9o 5 років тому +11

      Perfectly said✨

    • @elMore1107
      @elMore1107 5 років тому +10

      Flavia Luz helped me in my depression

    • @flavialuz8795
      @flavialuz8795 5 років тому +9

      @@elMore1107 He helped, and still helps, me with that too! Whenever I feel hopeless I listen to him and it eases a whole lot! I hope we get better and better :)

    • @flavialuz8795
      @flavialuz8795 5 років тому +12

      Actually, he didn't "borrow" anything because he is not a guru, he always made that very clear. He just talked about a subject he loved. And by doing that he just suggested that we see things from another point of view and explained stuff that for us Westerners would be, perhaps, hard to understand on our own... You are taking things too seriously...

  • @AwakenedSouls
    @AwakenedSouls 5 років тому +2392

    Listening to alan watts is what helped me go through difficult times, not religion , not praying. But philosophy and meditation kept me alive.

    • @alexcarter8807
      @alexcarter8807 5 років тому +108

      That's what Buddhism is. It's not "religion" in the Western sense. There is no God, there is no self. No big boss in the sky.

    • @AwakenedSouls
      @AwakenedSouls 5 років тому +19

      @@alexcarter8807 agreed

    • @MindlessTube
      @MindlessTube 5 років тому +40

      @@alexcarter8807 there are many different schools of Buddhism some are more religious than others. Zen Buddhism I believe is the one school of Buddhism that Alan Watts was interested in that was not religious

    • @OfAngelsAndAnarchist
      @OfAngelsAndAnarchist 5 років тому +41

      alex carter you’re completely wrong
      One of the two sects of Buddhism rejects god, the one you know actually doesn’t
      And Hinduism has more than 22 thousand gods
      I hate white people that think they’re enlightened for shitting on their own culture while praising one they’ve never lived in
      As boring a person as it gets...

    • @WinAllDayFC
      @WinAllDayFC 5 років тому +43

      Spooky Boyy It’s okay, everyone has flaws. Learn, teach, and let’s grow together.

  • @g3wb
    @g3wb 5 років тому +1379

    "Everything needs everything else in order to be anything at all."

    • @nonelost1
      @nonelost1 5 років тому +13

      goob
      That is the holographic universe, defined!

    • @MNanme1z4xs
      @MNanme1z4xs 5 років тому +3

      Yes, but not all things are equal, we live in a hierarchy of priorities.

    • @vivi-dg9ls
      @vivi-dg9ls 4 роки тому +7

      and from this, I wonder how many things could have existed but did not exist yet because its contrast has not been acknowledged enough to have made the other exist.

    • @DoomExtreme1
      @DoomExtreme1 4 роки тому +12

      @@MNanme1z4xs You do not understand then. There can be no large, without small. No fast without slow, no black without white, good without evil, no heavy without light. If you think anything is more than anything else, then you don't understand.

    • @fatmayo2293
      @fatmayo2293 4 роки тому +2

      Nothing needs nothing. Humans cannot wrap their brains around the concept of nothing though.
      Even the thought presents color, but nothing wouldn't have color.

  • @johngibson4882
    @johngibson4882 5 років тому +592

    "We aren't separate from the universe. We are the universe looking back at its self in quite aw." After I heard him say that, I cried. So profound, so beautiful.

    • @xyoungdipsetx
      @xyoungdipsetx 4 роки тому +5

      This comes from Carl Sagan

    • @johngilmore697
      @johngilmore697 Рік тому +2

      What utter bollocks

    • @Wolfsheim23
      @Wolfsheim23 10 місяців тому

      Yeah the great comedian Bill Hicks said almost the same thing about experiencing LSD. Said it better even.

    • @mohnjarx7801
      @mohnjarx7801 8 місяців тому +1

      If you cried at hearing that you're not fit to be out in public

    • @johngibson4882
      @johngibson4882 8 місяців тому

      @mohnjarx7801 says who, random comment on UA-cam?

  • @AnantMall
    @AnantMall 5 років тому +1112

    I discovered the work of Alan 6 months back. It has changed my life.

    • @sig3574
      @sig3574 5 років тому +1

      Anant Mall same man

    • @jordandenny6875
      @jordandenny6875 5 років тому +13

      That's like the same time for me, for me it was the nature of god lecture on UA-cam

    • @avastavery5489
      @avastavery5489 5 років тому

      I played myself into his mind through the game "Everything". I had been introduced to him when I was young, but found him rambling. Now I find him profound.

    • @dreadlord1988
      @dreadlord1988 5 років тому +3

      I came across his teachings 4 years ago.. Changed my life, and started my journey of self understandment and the nature of nature.

    • @andysux1
      @andysux1 5 років тому

      2 years ago for me

  • @iprefurr
    @iprefurr 3 роки тому +131

    "You don't have to listen to me, I just like the sound of my own voice."
    ~ Alan Watts ~

  • @iprefurr
    @iprefurr 3 роки тому +115

    "We take seriously what the Gods made for fun."
    ~ Alan Watts ~

  • @otorishingen8600
    @otorishingen8600 5 років тому +462

    Mr. Watts is my web "Grandfather" teaching me great wisdom while I go to sleep
    Thank you Mr Watts for your teaching 👏

    • @Nine-TailedFox4
      @Nine-TailedFox4 5 років тому

      Dr Watts... Ha! More like doctor weeb. Gottem

    • @eddyskipper2743
      @eddyskipper2743 5 років тому +6

      @@Nine-TailedFox4 noo .. no .. please stop ...

  • @Skillseboy1
    @Skillseboy1 5 років тому +252

    If I could have a conversation with anyone from history, Alan Watts would be my pick.
    Just imagine the energy and enlightenment such a conversation would bring.

    • @robertd4100
      @robertd4100 5 років тому +8

      ur neck is thicker than ur head

    • @lazyrocker2000
      @lazyrocker2000 4 роки тому +3

      Jeffrey Jefferson ur ego is biggr

    • @earthling03
      @earthling03 4 роки тому +5

      If I could combine conciousness, it would be Carl Sagan and Alan Watts, with a little bit of Bob Ross as well 😅

    • @Skillseboy1
      @Skillseboy1 4 роки тому +2

      @@earthling03 That sounds like a perfect combination hahah

    • @earthling03
      @earthling03 4 роки тому +1

      @@Skillseboy1 😄

  • @Apocalyptikai
    @Apocalyptikai 5 років тому +153

    "Isn't it odd that anything exists? Would it not have been easier to just have nothing at all?" - Alan Watts

    • @stephenstrange1719
      @stephenstrange1719 4 роки тому +18

      So true. Realizing this always puts me in the next mindset of how this realization makes life all the more amazing, mindblowing, and beautiful that it does exist. Makes me appreciate everything in the moment, and feel a sense of calm & wonder.

    • @paicemaster6855
      @paicemaster6855 3 роки тому +2

      The point of that quote was to point out that the statement itself is not true

    • @takeuchi5760
      @takeuchi5760 2 роки тому

      @@paicemaster6855 do you know where it's from? This is probably the most puzzling thing I have ever encountered, I often have moments where I ask exactly this.

    • @CarlosRoxo
      @CarlosRoxo Рік тому

      Same, tbh

    • @TheUreka
      @TheUreka Рік тому

      Yeah, for you to have nothing you have to have something and vice versa

  • @linguaLatinae
    @linguaLatinae 5 років тому +593

    He died before I was even born but still he helped me out with my depression

    • @shawnfhennessey
      @shawnfhennessey 5 років тому +5

      Same! I have never been more impacted by someone I never met. 👍

    • @therealunklefreaky
      @therealunklefreaky 5 років тому +2

      I was only 13 when he died. He helped me too! An elder worth respecting for sure! LOL!

    • @jl9641
      @jl9641 5 років тому

      So uh, what's with the profile picture? That pepe frog is closing his eyes and crying, to say he can "not see." It's a way for terrible people who are white supremacists among other things, to identify with each other in a wink-wink nod-nod kinda way to be like ahhhh, see it's like nazi! lol it's like a play on words. I hope to god that's not what you have it for....

    • @dom-dl2dg
      @dom-dl2dg 4 роки тому +3

      @@jl9641 it's a meme not a symbol of white supremacy

    • @BainPlays
      @BainPlays 4 роки тому +1

      @@jl9641 I bet you're fun at parties

  • @chrislife1101
    @chrislife1101 Рік тому +3

    Alan watts was who got me into philosophy when I was 14, I started listening to him just to sound smart and cool, but eventually I really started to listen to what he was saying and trying to understand it. Opened my eyes to other perspectives of life

  • @aungyethu6560
    @aungyethu6560 4 роки тому +9

    People who listen to Alan Watts's philosophy are a wholesome bunch of people. ❤️Always radiating positive vibes 🌈

  • @iprefurr
    @iprefurr 3 роки тому +25

    "Life is rough, life is tough. I'm in this body and this falling apart. . .
    Why go on? You only go on if the the game is worth playing."
    ~ Alan Watts ~

  • @trakonsix
    @trakonsix 5 років тому +280

    Because we simply cheated ourselves a whole way down the line. We thought of life by analogy with a journey, a pilgrimage which had a serious purpose at the end, and the thing was to get to that end, success or whatever it is, or maybe heaven after you’re dead. But we missed the point the whole way along. It was a musical thing and you were supposed to sing or dance while the music was being played.
    - Alan Watts
    These words changed the way how I saw life ♥️

    • @ambralert3070
      @ambralert3070 5 років тому +9

      @Liam O’Neil you put into words what I've been searching for for the past half a year to a year! Thank you, I'm 22 now and finally am awakening, it's strange but fun and peaceful

    • @carryon5021
      @carryon5021 5 років тому +1

      @Liam O’Neil Thank you.

    • @sorinash95
      @sorinash95 5 років тому +5

      Kinda sounds like "live for the journey, not the destination" but with a little more flavor

    • @mooreoftre
      @mooreoftre 5 років тому +3

      @Liam O’Neil i think part of this has to do with US actual lack of true culture. I feel like its morals and eyes are on the wrong things. They are all outwards and outside things. Nothing about the internal or connecting with the earth, eachother etc. Everytime some true culture is developed it gets commodified and sold and turned into cheap manufactured products. If you go into a home in someone from Somalia for example many things in the home have actual meaning. People treat eachother differently. I had a friend that went to Morrocco for a year and said he never felt people so high in spirit before. Their words and way they spoke to one another is very different. We have a lot materially here, but we are being farmed out

    • @jeanleroi9197
      @jeanleroi9197 5 років тому +1

      Beautiful quote , thank you

  • @KlaxontheImpailr
    @KlaxontheImpailr 5 років тому +232

    5 minutes on this channel is far more fulfilling than my entire life going to church.

    • @jbasti227
      @jbasti227 3 роки тому +8

      Amen to that

    • @kevinadams9468
      @kevinadams9468 3 роки тому +1

      Nice to know you are easily fulfilled.

    • @CEC_HDZ
      @CEC_HDZ 2 роки тому

      Did you even pay attention in church.

    • @KlaxontheImpailr
      @KlaxontheImpailr 2 роки тому +1

      @@CEC_HDZ lol nope

    • @reynarocha6607
      @reynarocha6607 2 роки тому +3

      @@CEC_HDZ they probably did. Just because it makes sense and fulfills you doesn’t mean church is for everyone. You’re not the end all be all of what is right for everyone’s life. If this fulfills the og commenter then let it.

  • @JackieLombardi
    @JackieLombardi 5 років тому +215

    I honestly can't put into words how amazing this channel is and how much in needed it. I was gonna type a long couple of long paragraphs but honestly i don't think I need to.
    I'm just so happy you and this channel exist.

  • @sayerslayer1854
    @sayerslayer1854 5 років тому +204

    I "grew out" of listening to Alan but he was my first "teacher" I found and followed online. It's nice to see him getting some attention and that lots of people are fond of him. Still, the teacher is the finger pointing at the Moon. Don't get obsessed by the finger.

    • @grovenn
      @grovenn 4 роки тому +2

      Bruce Lee :)

    • @e-rambler4910
      @e-rambler4910 4 роки тому +15

      Yes, but at what "moon" do we seek no more? Is life forever seeking a moon, which only becomes a finger in time?

    • @niftyskates85
      @niftyskates85 4 роки тому +4

      Just stfu -_-

    • @jovitabhengra
      @jovitabhengra 4 роки тому +2

      @@e-rambler4910 LMAO

    • @garlic5955
      @garlic5955 4 роки тому +2

      Omg just realised smth*
      Thanks

  • @mitchellthompson6129
    @mitchellthompson6129 5 років тому +92

    Sir Watts truly inspired me to write my first book. I’ve listened to countless hours of him speak, and have read all of his work. He is a very under appreciated contributor to the paradigm shifting of an awakened society.

    • @sirmurphanderson
      @sirmurphanderson 5 років тому +8

      Mitchell Thompson under appreciated is a great way to put it. What’s your book about and what’s the name of it?

    • @suumcuique4530
      @suumcuique4530 5 років тому +5

      under appreciated only in school. his books are popular, his lectures are popular on UA-cam, parts of his lectures are included in pieces of music, etc.
      but in school we focus on western or middle eastern philosophers.

  • @khalidhimself7333
    @khalidhimself7333 5 років тому +60

    Alan Watts is immortal, he still with us and will be forever here.

  • @jerbear97
    @jerbear97 5 років тому +736

    This channel achieved what The School of Life tried to be.

    • @whirled_peas
      @whirled_peas 5 років тому +117

      The School of Life without the blatant political bias.

    • @elluhholen
      @elluhholen 5 років тому +65

      School of life with actual depth and meaning

    • @silent_stalker3687
      @silent_stalker3687 5 років тому +7

      samthepoor
      What bias?
      I’ve not watched much of their stuff outside of a few videos but mostly the 7 sins video

    • @marcusmaattaeklund
      @marcusmaattaeklund 5 років тому +44

      Perhaps they are both part of a whole

    • @jerbear97
      @jerbear97 5 років тому +6

      @@marcusmaattaeklund god i hope not the same whole

  • @frankcallo6630
    @frankcallo6630 5 років тому +2

    I discovered Alan Watts in the North West Regional branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia in the Early 1980s. I was 17 at that time and the only people I knew who had even heard of him were some old hippies. Its good to see that UA-cam had turned a whole generation on to this fascinating and spiritually liberating friend.

  • @newworldoldproblems7585
    @newworldoldproblems7585 5 років тому +151

    I discovered Watts in high school and it has shaped my life. I studied philosophy and theology in post-secondary, and I must say that the dance (lila) has treated me well. Life is nonetheless difficult and as the Buddha taught us filled with suffering. I thank you for this masterful articulation of Watts. It has inspired me to revisit the philosopher that has offered me so much. Cheers mate!

    • @prithvipant9670
      @prithvipant9670 5 років тому +1

      New World Old Problems its actually Hinduism

    • @sahxb.
      @sahxb. 5 років тому

      Sanatan*

  • @VaiXepleX
    @VaiXepleX 5 років тому +419

    HE saved my life and i never met him...

    • @missionpupa
      @missionpupa 5 років тому +9

      You did meet him and at his best through his videos. What more do you want?

    • @lesbiansloth9363
      @lesbiansloth9363 5 років тому +4

      Maybe you just realized, that you don't need to be saved?

    • @elliotgerrard4470
      @elliotgerrard4470 5 років тому +9

      You saved yourself, nobody can save you

    • @sorinash95
      @sorinash95 5 років тому +4

      @@elliotgerrard4470 I would rephrase this: "You do not receive salvation. You achieve salvation."

    • @elliotgerrard4470
      @elliotgerrard4470 5 років тому +3

      @@sorinash95 fair, sounds more intellectual.

  • @Thezedword12
    @Thezedword12 5 років тому +133

    I love Alan Watts, I've been listening to his lectures since around 2012 and only recently realized how much he has influenced me

    • @tjjackson3104
      @tjjackson3104 5 років тому

      I discovered around then too!!!

    • @Rope257
      @Rope257 5 років тому +4

      Influenced who?

    • @Thezedword12
      @Thezedword12 5 років тому +8

      RopeNL nice one

    • @Rope257
      @Rope257 5 років тому +2

      @@Thezedword12 Just kidding around hehe. Love Alan as well. Have a good one :D

    • @Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper
      @Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper 5 років тому

      I was BORN in 2012! I am in 2 grade!!😁

  • @logancasner8467
    @logancasner8467 5 років тому +36

    when you realize "god" is not a person(an old man with a white beard), but instead is the laws of the universe and that Christianity is nothing more than an attempt to classify and understand them . you will understand the world, the universe, reality, history, existence. it is an amazing experience but also a terrifying one. it is not a journey for all. for it WILL cause great pain but once the journey of pain evolves into a great pleasure you will become what you have always wanted to be and so much more but even more amazing than more is you will become so much less and it will be amazing.

  • @fatmunch6318
    @fatmunch6318 5 років тому +35

    Alan watts really turned me into a hippie and an aspiring zen master I didn’t know he inspired a generation in the 60s wow

  • @ericnelson5321
    @ericnelson5321 5 років тому +4

    I cried while listening to this and have never felt happier being wrong about so many things. Unlearning a lifetime of emptiness in a few minutes, I’m still in shock. Thanks to all involved in this video, I can’t say I will be a better person for this but I feel like one knowing the difference.

  • @nlflegend
    @nlflegend 5 років тому +22

    Alan Watts enhanced my way of thinking and living I love to hear his speeches all the time

  • @wannabepoet9647
    @wannabepoet9647 4 роки тому +10

    He’s my favorite philosopher/thinker, he got me into eastern religions and philosophies such as Taoism and Buddhism. Now, at 24 years old, I regularly start my day by lighting an incense and reading a little bit of Tao Te Ching (which is like the bibble of Taoism, in case someone didn’t know already) while drinking tea

  • @henokafewerki8857
    @henokafewerki8857 5 років тому +71

    Alan is honest, aware of his own shortcomings and his background.

    • @GrubKiller436
      @GrubKiller436 5 років тому +2

      I'm not sure he was expecting his longcomings!

  • @eddielopez2373
    @eddielopez2373 4 роки тому +1

    Alan Watts is enjoyable to hear, and it’s clear that Alan Watts thought so too. In almost all of his talks that I’ve heard, he uses many words to say very little. He clearly loved the sound of his own voice.

    • @nathanrosario4407
      @nathanrosario4407 4 роки тому

      You have also said very little. in fact nothing, very good.🤐

    • @eddielopez2373
      @eddielopez2373 4 роки тому

      Nathan Rosario I expressed a concise and coherent thought about the subject of this video.

  • @sticklebrickz
    @sticklebrickz 5 років тому +13

    Never expected to come across a concise and well written summary of Watts and his work. You, Sir, know your shit. Bravo.

  • @zanzivar5892
    @zanzivar5892 4 роки тому

    Alan Watts and Stuart Wilde
    TRANSFORMED my life.
    They dispersed the fog out of my brain when confusion was built up
    by religion since thirty years back.
    Thankful for their precious input.

  • @Tjmalloy2
    @Tjmalloy2 5 років тому +10

    Alan watts saved my life. I hope everyone finds their peace.

  • @learn-unlearn1
    @learn-unlearn1 2 роки тому +2

    This is a wonderful summary of Watts's work. It is clear that you have a real, profound understanding of his philosophy

  • @80brax04
    @80brax04 5 років тому +3

    Watts gave me the knowledge that helped me change and better my life, and quality of life,more than anything or any other person "here". Whatever works...or as my Dad would say,"Whatever floats your boat."

  • @chromabotia
    @chromabotia 5 років тому

    I discovered Alan Watts at 5:00 am on a Sunday in 1973, in LA, CA. I had been through the doors of perception and was just settling back down. I had been listening to a Rock station and suddenly I was listening to an erudite voice with a mild English accent. It struck me right away that I was hearing the truth. Not only that, but in an uncanny way, it was like he was reminding me of things I already knew on some level. Who was this person? I listened with rapt attention for an hour, although it seemed much longer. I scrambled for pencil and paper and wrote down that this was Alan Watts courtesy of the Electronic University and that he was on every Sunday at 5:00 am. I read all of his books that were in print at that time. I continued to listen to this incredibly knowledgeable, wise and sublimely humorous man until the present. Alan Watts changed my life for the better from that moment in 1973 until now. I can say that the eternal Now is all that we have... Thanks Alan!

  • @M0RPHOBIA
    @M0RPHOBIA 5 років тому +7

    dude I cried trears of joy. thanks for this. truly a gem in so many ways.

  • @titani1k
    @titani1k 5 років тому +2

    I found this video to be very comforting and even joyful! Anybody else feel similar feelings?

  • @darinasa4428
    @darinasa4428 5 років тому +3

    I've been listening to Alan Watts' lectures since I was 15, and I'm so happy that more and more people learn about him

  • @shonmoody1995
    @shonmoody1995 5 років тому +2

    I was always an overanalyical person to the point where it would cause me grear strife and stopped me from wnjoying things. Idk..I think I got it from my dads side of the familt since they were all wory worts. So obviosly this drew me to psychology of the mind. I work with special need individuals so in a way it's beneficial since I can usually figure out even the most complex ones quite quickly. I started out listening to Jordon Peterson to kind of learn how to cope with things and improve my life. He helped a little, but I began to find him a bit prickly and too success driven. After 5 months listening to his lectures I stumbled upon Alan Watts and he was hard going from Peterson who is very literal to someone like Watts who speaks more metaphorically and mystically. Although after listening to Watts for about 3 monthd every day. Something profoudlny changed in me. It waz when I listened to hiis words acoompanied by chillstep I felt like I had an out of body experience. It was incredible to say the least and in those moments I really got him and eversince then I almost feel like a completely different person. I don't dwell on anything anymore. I just take notice of it then let it flow out of me. Now when I for walks alone in nature everything feels different. I actually appreciate everything around me and the wind or rain hitting me just feels like an actual experience not just something i ignore since i felt it many times before. I'm so happy I found him when I did. I just wish it would have been in my 20's and not my 40's but no point on dwelling on the past it's an utter waste of time Alan would say.

    • @Strangepete
      @Strangepete 5 років тому

      Relatable thanks for sharing have a lovely life :)

  • @captionrex123
    @captionrex123 5 років тому +27

    I wish more people knew about him, his teachings have literally changed my life.

  • @garicrewsen1128
    @garicrewsen1128 4 роки тому

    I only just discovered Alan Watts about a year ago, and I've been here going on 6 decades. I too, find his definitions and word-pictures regarding everything to be insightful, refreshing and comforting. It's a difficult thing to do when one decides to confront oneself (one's self) about the cognitive dissonance one experiences between what one has been/is being told versus what that same one observes going on around, through and within oneself. As for me, living well in whatever time I decided on before arriving, feeling 'good' as much as possible and meeting what comes not simply stoically, but with a smile and willingness, both in my first appearance here and this moment, seems a far better posture to stance when walking a chosen path. And not necessarily dumping or rejecting parts of what I've been taught growing up, nor to fully embrace, but to continually throughout my day create little moments, bubbles of time wherein I invest a modicum of time and effort into juxtaposing what brings me good feelings, what brings me bad feelings, and 'The Dance' of the two playing out while I'm here. It is, to me anyway, a thing far easier said than done as well as seeming the logical and rational 'thing to do.'
    I watch quite a lot of your videos, appreciating all that I've viewed. This one, however, stands out for me. Your appreciation for the subject is evident in your research endeavors as they play out here, both in narration and editing. Well read, and well received. Thank you and cheers!

  • @psychonautical6587
    @psychonautical6587 5 років тому +88

    It takes me so long to watch these videos, because I’m constantly pausing just to think😂

    • @eriqmendiola1219
      @eriqmendiola1219 4 роки тому +1

      It needs to be heard understood and exercised all in one motion

    • @forvainee
      @forvainee 2 роки тому

      what is your pfp?

  • @slumgullixn666
    @slumgullixn666 5 років тому

    From beyond his untimely death I would like to gratefully thank Mr. Alan Watts and his teachings for helping me overcome the early stages in my recovery from addiction. I randomly came across one of his philosophical credos (although Mr. Watts would explain NOTHING is random in this universe) one day and it has certainly brought me to enlightenment and acceptance of self. I truly am grateful to have been gifted by this world the words of the late and great Alan Watts. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 P.S. for anyone reading who wants to interject and state "well you know how he died right?"...yes I do and 🖕 off...we all have vices in one for or another. It's about sending a message while at the same time enjoying life. Nothing hypocritical at all besides your unnecessary negative opinions of others.

  • @StephiLee
    @StephiLee 5 років тому +193

    this is so good

  • @AlphaspitzZ
    @AlphaspitzZ 5 років тому +1

    Mr. Watts has help me understand Taoism so much, even after following it's teachings (to a degree) for 15yrs...has helped me stay hand my from wanting to take my life. This man really deserves great praise... RIP.

  • @valerieangell7588
    @valerieangell7588 3 роки тому +6

    I loved him so much.

  • @SL3315
    @SL3315 4 роки тому +1

    There can’t be a highly inspiring mind without a heavy troubled mind. Alan Watts lived his word.

  • @matthiaswalker38
    @matthiaswalker38 5 років тому +4

    Spot on!
    A perfect piece in real harmony with his thoughts and an enlightening tribute to the man.
    Great to hear Alan's ideas flowing through another and continuing their journey.

  • @adambycina1817
    @adambycina1817 Рік тому +1

    I am a long time listener to the Alan Watts recordings (thank goodness we have them, I feel like I'm listening to Socrates) and want to thank you for this video. Whoever you are, you have a genius for distilling wisdom into its purest essence without the hopeless cliches I could come up with in explaining the concepts and ideas you present on your channel. I put you in the same class as Alan Watts or Socrates.

  • @unintentionallydramatic
    @unintentionallydramatic 5 років тому +101

    Gonna spread this video everywhere.
    Good frikken channel. Thanks.

  • @theevolutionoflove3678
    @theevolutionoflove3678 5 років тому +1

    I am confident that existence is not senseless nor meaningless. The point of our existence is to grow ...to struggle, become love ,and transcend the game and earn our freedom and Immortality

  • @matiz4250
    @matiz4250 3 роки тому

    Alan Watts change my life completely,or should I say I started living after him,we are so lucky to have him,he dedicated his life to people,no for money no for recognition,no for being someone but to help people to know themselves.

  • @ketchup5344
    @ketchup5344 5 років тому +3

    "Everything needs everything else in order to be anything at all"
    This video and background to Alan Watts is epic. Oooh you guys are good.

  • @michaelhenderson2657
    @michaelhenderson2657 4 місяці тому

    Love Alan Watts...i could listen to him all day and all night...

  • @DamonCart
    @DamonCart 5 років тому +4

    That was beautiful. All of it. The narration, the essay, the video clips. Love it. Really went to the heart of Watts and didn't spare his flaws. More please.

  • @therealunklefreaky
    @therealunklefreaky 5 років тому +2

    Thanks. Your videos are great. Clear and concise. I LOVE Alan Watts! His book "The Wisdom Of Insecurity" practically changed my life! Philosophical genius.

  • @DeadEndFrog
    @DeadEndFrog 5 років тому +9

    His lectures are part of the videogame «everything»

    • @blake3474
      @blake3474 5 років тому +1

      Great game 😁

  • @UltimateAwe
    @UltimateAwe 5 років тому

    Watts is one of my favorite philosophers because his sense of humour is disarming and endlessly re-listenable.

  • @mututhlaw
    @mututhlaw 5 років тому +5

    Well thanks for covering Alan Watts. I find him to be truly knowledgeable .

  • @portall1220
    @portall1220 4 роки тому

    My philosophical journey started with this man.. And now, I know I am an individual expression of an infinite, eternal consciousness experiencing itself. I found what I was looking for ever since I can remember, and it is thankfully not the end, though neither is it a beginning.

  • @SkyFoxTale
    @SkyFoxTale 5 років тому +9

    The Way of Zen is a great book, highly recommend

  • @amberlynn9486
    @amberlynn9486 2 роки тому +1

    Honestly your channel has helped me so much. I watch your videos nearly every day. I find them to be incredibly thorough and thoughtful and I'm grateful for the work and effort you put into these. Thank you.

  • @harryniotis5913
    @harryniotis5913 5 років тому +13

    "What is time?"
    "I know what time is but when you ask me I don't..."

  • @trvshmvn1331
    @trvshmvn1331 5 років тому

    Alan Watts is the man that made me have multiple beliefs.I was raised Christian, and still am, but thanks to Alan Watts and listening to his lectures I now have multiple Buddhist beliefs along with Christian beliefs.

  • @juankgonzalez6230
    @juankgonzalez6230 5 років тому +448

    Alan Watts is the most influencial weeb in recorded history (besides Marco Polo, of course)

    • @gordonprouduct
      @gordonprouduct 5 років тому

      ?

    • @KekeeBlack
      @KekeeBlack 5 років тому +23

      When they said he was into Eastern art I thought the same thing lmao

    • @bowilliam3865
      @bowilliam3865 5 років тому +7

      And Manly P Hall. Though Hall was far greater in depth and insight. I challenge any to find hid works on UA-cam

    • @chlorine5795
      @chlorine5795 5 років тому +7

      Marco polo ? Weeb ? If you gonna name call , at least get the definitions right. But of course you won't understand what I am saying, Have a nice day Gonzalez.

    • @chlorine5795
      @chlorine5795 5 років тому

      @@bowilliam3865 jesus fucking Christ ! You can just refer , you don't have to challenge 🤣

  • @meeks5555
    @meeks5555 5 років тому

    since i discovered alan watts one year ago i listen to him nearly every day.. i love his calm voice and his thought provoking ideas

  • @Farsiratorius
    @Farsiratorius 5 років тому +13

    this channel will go big

  • @_shenanigans_8337
    @_shenanigans_8337 3 роки тому

    There was always a certain peace I feel, when looking at my yard, when feeling the breeze, just sitting there taking it in.. the world really is beautiful in it’s simplicity and I think this philosophy captures it pretty well

  • @jamesmessina2554
    @jamesmessina2554 5 років тому +14

    “There ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue. There's just stuff people do. It's all part of the same thing.“

    • @reneperez2126
      @reneperez2126 5 років тому +2

      i think he was a pragmatist it seems he was against universals

  • @panchowheeler4122
    @panchowheeler4122 4 роки тому

    Alan watts is such an amazing be,ing,,,,,I love sitting listening to him ,,, I do sit for hours cos it's great ,,,no words needed only the show of a beautiful emotion,,,thank you,,,

  • @TomorrowWeLive
    @TomorrowWeLive 5 років тому +3

    One of my favourite things about Watts is how he gently explodes the many myths that underpin modern society and good-humouredly sends up its (and our) obsessions and preoccupations.

  • @incognito7479
    @incognito7479 4 роки тому

    As an admiring listener to Alan, this is an excellent summation, worthy of listening to more than once.

  • @lumick666
    @lumick666 5 років тому +106

    ''everything needs everything else in order to be anything at all'' damn
    congrats on the great content! already subscribed, we need more of this

    • @massimoamato5593
      @massimoamato5593 5 років тому +2

      Luigi Is this because in order for something to exist it must be comparable or contrastable to something else?

    • @massimoamato5593
      @massimoamato5593 5 років тому +1

      Alejandro marrero I was thinking more philosophically than I was thinking scientifically.

    • @akshanshchoudhary7397
      @akshanshchoudhary7397 5 років тому +1

      @@massimoamato5593 yes, it's about how things make sense only if it can be compared to something else.

    • @kevinadams9468
      @kevinadams9468 3 роки тому

      What nonsensical rubbish masquerading as philosophy.

  • @retrac1000
    @retrac1000 5 років тому +1

    What an absolutely brilliant and eye-opening man he was.

  • @NuisanceWins
    @NuisanceWins 5 років тому +44

    Crazy good video

  • @swapnilthakur6999
    @swapnilthakur6999 4 роки тому

    Thank you Sir Watts for being there with us during our catharsis.

  • @Guitfiddlejase
    @Guitfiddlejase 5 років тому +6

    I first learned of Watts through Paul Masvidal and his band, “Cynic” ..
    Life altering.

  • @solodolotrevino
    @solodolotrevino 4 роки тому

    I have been listening and reading Alan Watts since I was 16. And every time I go back to his work, I have a newfound appreciation and understanding I didn’t before. Zen is a beneficial practice (even if you don’t believe the woo woo)

  • @omegasoldier382
    @omegasoldier382 5 років тому +4

    "True self is without form..."
    -Zenyatta

    • @Flyingtart
      @Flyingtart 5 років тому

      I like the play on words in the skin "Sunyatta"too, referring to the Buddhist concept Sunyata/Shunyata.

  • @nycthinklab966
    @nycthinklab966 3 роки тому

    I walked through a hospital recently and to see a meditation room in a major nyc hospital is a result of people like Watts. Very proud to see how we evolve - slowly - painfully slow - but we do evolve.

  • @markusschafer3819
    @markusschafer3819 5 років тому +6

    I've seldom seen such high quality videos on youtube like yours.

    • @pointingout4369
      @pointingout4369 5 років тому

      you need to research them more then - there are plenty of them, even better then this one

    • @markusschafer3819
      @markusschafer3819 5 років тому

      @@pointingout4369 you might be right. But every time I look up random philosophy videos on youtube they are either to dry or they are just overstimulated with epic music.

    • @pointingout4369
      @pointingout4369 5 років тому

      @@markusschafer3819 well. There are people like this channel, doing reviews of other philosophers, and people actually making their own philosophy or use existing philosophy in telliing interesting stories. Few of my creators I can share of the top of my head: Exurb1a, Freedom in Thought, and couple more I cant remember.

  • @phoenixtimes2
    @phoenixtimes2 4 роки тому

    I stand amazed at Alan Watts. There’s nothing to do but listen and learn.

  • @therealunklefreaky
    @therealunklefreaky 5 років тому +3

    "Wonder is the beginning of love." ~ Plato

  • @nineofive.2573
    @nineofive.2573 10 місяців тому

    Since everyone is dropping there favorite quotes from Alan I’ll write this which has always stuck with me. “Just like the apple tree apples the world peoples”.

  • @gabrielbatista4329
    @gabrielbatista4329 5 років тому +13

    You're gonna blow up, your content is great man keep it up

    • @dafeac
      @dafeac 5 років тому

      Do not take it seriously though

  • @ericpaul698
    @ericpaul698 4 роки тому

    When the student is ready the teacher will appear. Thank you Alan

  • @DoPtRiGGa
    @DoPtRiGGa 5 років тому +4

    This channel is absolutely incredible. Liked, subscribed, shared, keep up the good work man this channel is gonna blow up soon.

  • @pliit2101
    @pliit2101 4 роки тому +1

    Watts saved my life 2 years ago. I'm turning 25 in a couple of weeks life hasn't been better. Always grateful to Mr.Watts

  • @BobV97
    @BobV97 5 років тому +174

    I watched this video and now I wear nothing but sandals and a banana hammock and spend all day playing the sitar seated criss-cross applesauce whilst levitating... whilst writing run-on sentences. Good stuff.

    • @TR3NCII
      @TR3NCII 5 років тому +10

      Just be yourself, much better, but yeah I also wear sandals, and if they break I fix them etc...:P
      I grow my own organic outdoor weed as well ;)

    • @88Sith88
      @88Sith88 5 років тому +4

      CRISS-CROSS APPLESAUCE

    • @BobV97
      @BobV97 5 років тому +1

      workman Lu Just like Burnt Chrysler

    • @Linkolite
      @Linkolite 5 років тому +8

      "Criss cross applesauce" damn it's been a while since I've heard or thought about that phrase. Brought a smile to my face

    • @jerbear97
      @jerbear97 5 років тому +2

      *writing run-on sentences*

  • @jamiewilliams423
    @jamiewilliams423 2 роки тому

    Choosing. The more conscious choices we make the better. Meaning we make choices as the universal consciousness. As everything rather than 'me'.
    So use freewill and make choices. Especially choices that are very close to your authentic self, the fragment of universal consciousness that resides within, Love and Guidance to you❤️

  • @RayCatterson
    @RayCatterson 5 років тому +9

    “It is what it is” -Max Holloway

  • @bobrowland7851
    @bobrowland7851 Рік тому +1

    Life is like a bad dream and upon reawakening, to our higher, truer ourselves we feel better for the relief.

  • @matthoyle46
    @matthoyle46 5 років тому +5

    This is such a wonderful video, thank you for putting this together. :)

  • @manuman5319
    @manuman5319 4 роки тому

    This channel is a gem for when you feel sad

  • @spiritualanarchist8162
    @spiritualanarchist8162 5 років тому +4

    **One of the most underestimated academics, Who got 're appreciated ' trough UA-cam videos.

    • @flashmanfred
      @flashmanfred 5 років тому +2

      He's not necessarily an academic. By his own admission he was an entertainer first, a teacher second. He isn't meant to be taken as seriously as people seem to think, besides his understandings of Buddhism/Zen/Taoism are simplistic to say the least.
      Personally, I've listened to a lot of Alan Watts in the past but after taking Buddhism more seriously I left him for more reliable sources. He was a good gateway into seeing the world in a different way, but for actual philosophical rigour, I'll turn to the suttas themselves and to Ajahns and Bhikkhus/Bhikkhunis, and monks of different orders; as well as academics and historians. I will actually refer people to Alan Watts as a good introduction to eastern philosophy but not much more than that, to bear in mind the flaws in what he says but also the beauty in a lot it.

    • @Rope257
      @Rope257 5 років тому

      @@flashmanfred So the accuracy and complexity of the words are more important than the (no-)thing they point to? Interesting.

    • @spiritualanarchist8162
      @spiritualanarchist8162 5 років тому +1

      @@flashmanfred Well he was certainly very entertaining,
      However he was also a' certified 'theologian, Philosopher ( and Anglican Pastor) He worked for several Universities. He got famous on his writing and talks for students,and laymen, . Less know are his thesis on religion & philosophy, ,,Some of his work is still used in modern religious studies, I think that's sufficient to call someone an academic ;)

    • @flashmanfred
      @flashmanfred 5 років тому +3

      Spiritual Anarchist “I want to make one thing absolutely clear. I am not a Zen Buddhist, I am not advocating Zen Buddhism, I am not trying to convert anyone to it. I have nothing to sell. I'm an entertainer. That is to say, in the same sense, that when you go to a concert and you listen to someone play Mozart, he has nothing to sell except the sound of the music. He doesn’t want to convert you to anything. He doesn’t want you to join an organization in favor of Mozart's music as opposed to, say, Beethoven's. And I approach you in the same spirit as a musician with his piano or a violinist with his violin. I just want you to enjoy a point of view that I enjoy.” - Alan Watts

    • @flashmanfred
      @flashmanfred 5 років тому

      RopeNL I said nothing about the complexity of language, all good dhamma should be conveyed in simple language. Most of the Tripitaka is very easy to understand.