Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for his work in interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for a Western audience. Born in 1915 in Chislehurst, England, he moved to the United States in 1938 where he began his career as an Episcopal priest before delving deeper into Eastern philosophies, including Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Watts wrote extensively, and his books and lectures aimed to resolve the perceived conflicts between the materialistic worldview of the 20th-century West and the holistic philosophies of the East. His approach was both playful and profound, often using humor to make complex philosophical concepts accessible and relatable. Watts’s influence extended beyond philosophy into realms of psychology, social commentary, and the counterculture movement of the 1960s, making him a pivotal figure in shaping modern spirituality. His legacy continues through his many published works, recorded talks, and a growing base of followers who find his teachings increasingly relevant in the 21st century.
The Best of Alan Watts
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Alan Watts – Don’t Take Life too Seriously (30:41)
Explore the Joker’s philosophy that life is essentially a game. This perspective reveals how societal roles and natural events, often perceived with undue seriousness, can instead be viewed as forms…
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Alan Watts ~ Exploring Your Dark Side (12:43)
lan Watts explores confronting your “shadow self.” He suggests contemplating death and selfishness to gain perspective.
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Alan Watts on Death (13:13)
This thought-provoking video challenges our fear of death. Alan Watts finds beauty in the idea that death might be like the peaceful nothingness before birth.
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Do You Want The Truth? Alan Watts On Religion (11:49)
This Alan Watts lecture challenges traditional interpretations of the Bible. He argues the Church, not God, decided which scriptures were “official.” While the Bible may be inspiring, Watts believes its…
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Alan Watts On The Eternal Now (9:43)
This Alan Watts talk argues that most people miss out on life by dwelling on the past or future. He compares living in the moment to truly savoring a meal…
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Alan Watts – Stop thinking, Stay centered (19:55)
This Alan Watts lecture argues that most of us are out of touch with reality because we are constantly lost in thought about the past or future.
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Alan Watts | Seeing Through the Net (47:24)
Alan Watts discusses the pervasiveness of a mechanistic worldview in Western culture and the limitations of this perspective for understanding and navigating the complexities of the real world.
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Alan Watts on the Limits of Language (53:58)
Alan Watts argues we live in a world of descriptions, not reality. News, books, even paintings shape how we see things, but it’s just one perspective.
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Alan Watts | Stop Getting In Your Own Way (8:21)
This video explores the challenges of self-improvement and decision-making, advocating for a natural approach where observing rather than controlling is key.
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Alan Watts – The Bridge Between East and West.
Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for his work in interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for a Western audience. Born in 1915 in Chislehurst, England,…
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