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The phrase "this is it" in the teachings of Alan Watts signifies the importance of living in the present moment and fully embracing the reality of the present experience without getting caught up in past regrets or future worries. It emphasizes the idea of mindfulness and being fully engaged in the here and now.

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4mo ago

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What is love according to Alan Watts?

According to Alan Watts, love is not just a feeling or emotion, but a way of being and relating to the world. It is a deep connection and understanding that transcends individual boundaries and unites all living beings in a harmonious and compassionate way.


Did philosopher Alan Watts believe in a persoanl God?

Alan Watts did not adhere to a traditional belief in a personal God. He often emphasized themes of interconnectedness, oneness, and the unity of everything in the universe. Watts discussed the concept of the divine being an energy or force that is inherent in all existence, rather than a separate, personal deity.


What insights did Alan Watts offer on the experience of falling in love?

Alan Watts suggested that falling in love is not just about finding the perfect partner, but also about discovering and accepting oneself more fully through the relationship. He emphasized the importance of being present in the moment and embracing the uncertainty and vulnerability that come with love. Watts believed that love is a transformative experience that can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.


What is Wu hsin?

Wu-Hsin is a concept of Chinese philosophical thought ("mushin" is what it's called in Japanese). The Chinese and Japanese share this concept. Roughly translated it means "no-mindedness." I think that this principle originates from Taoist philosophy but it seems to share certain ideas with Buddhism in that it has to do with a sort of "non-attachment" type of mentality. Some schools of Buddhism, of course--such as Zen or Ch'an--have a lot in common with Taoism.Bruce Lee is famous for discussing the princinple of Wu hsin in his book "Artist of Life" and "The Tao of Gung Fu."It is worth saying that "no-mindedness," as understood by the oriental philosophy, does not refer to a state of mind devoid of thought. That would be a misinterpretation. Rather, it should be thought of as a state of "non-graspingness" in which one's mind and one's thoughts do not linger on any one thing. As Alan Watts comically puts it, it is a state of mind in which there is no sensation of a separate mind, or separate thinker "standing over it with a club."There is a lot more that can be said about this. I would suggest reading into the work Bruce Lee, Alan Watts and Lao Tzu (founder of Taoist philosophy). I'm sure there's a lot more but these are the philosophers that I'm familar with who discuss this principle (and yes, Bruce Lee was a philosopher--most people aren't aware of that).


Can you imagine a world where machines can think and learn, as Alan Turing once said, "We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done"?

In a world where machines can think and learn, as Alan Turing envisioned, we would have new opportunities and challenges. Just like us, machines would have the ability to solve problems and make decisions based on their learning. This could lead to advancements in technology and society, but also raises questions about ethics and control.