Alan Watts - Don't Think Too Much
This article is a theoretical piece.
The article discusses the concept of reality and the disadvantages of symbols in relation to it. It also explores the idea of meditation and the importance of being present in the moment.
- Main topics: reality, symbols, meditation, being present
- Secondary topics: philosophy, religion, self-punishment
- The confusion between the real world and the world of symbols
- The dangers of confusing symbols with reality
- The nature of reality as a philosophical concept
- The concept of "things" and "events" in the real world
- Meditation as a means of realizing our inseparability from the universe
- The need to become interiorly silent and cease from compulsive thinking
- The two-fold purpose of meditation
- The idea that the point of life is always in the immediate moment
- The essential principle that meditation should be fun and not a grim duty
Civilization and Inseparability from the Universe
Most civilized individuals have lost touch with reality as they confuse the world as it is, with the world as they imagine it to be. There is a real world and a system of symbols about that world in our minds. These symbols are useful, and civilization depends on them. However, the principal disadvantage of symbols is that we mistake them for reality. Reality is not a concept, but a marvelous system of wiggles in which we describe things and events. It is not a blank slate, but it doesn't have any things or events in the real world. The difference between ourselves and the rest of the universe is nothing more than an idea; it is not a real difference. To meditate is to feel our basic inseparability from the universe, which requires us to become interiorly silent and to stop the compulsive chatter inside our skulls.
The Purpose of Meditation
The first basic reason for meditation is to stop thinking compulsively, that is, talking to ourselves all the time. If we talk all the time, we do not hear what anyone else has to say. In the same way, if we think all the time, we do not have anything to think about except thoughts, and we are never in a relationship with reality. However, meditation also does not have a reason or purpose. Unlike other activities we do, such as making music or dancing, we do not do it to reach a certain point. The journey itself is the point. Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment. If we meditate for an ulterior motive, such as to improve our mind or character, then we are not meditating because we have our eye on the future.
The Fun of Meditation and the Peace it Brings
Therefore, we meditate for no reason at all, except for the enjoyment of it. Meditation is not a grim duty, unlike religious practices. If correctly done, meditation has nothing to do with self-punishment, and it is enjoyable. Meditation is grooving with the eternal now that brings us into a state of peace, where we can understand that the point of life, the place where it's at, is simply now.
The information in this article can influence various areas of life, including philosophy, spirituality, mental health, and personal growth. The idea that symbols and concepts can confuse us and lead us away from reality can apply to any aspect of life where we rely on language or concepts to understand the world. The article also introduces the concept of meditation as a way to quiet the mind and connect with the present moment, which can have positive effects on mental health and overall well-being.
However, the article does miss some important aspects. For example, it doesn't delve into the scientific evidence behind meditation and its effects on the brain and body. The article also doesn't address the possible cultural and societal factors that contribute to the overuse of language and concepts. Additionally, the article presents a somewhat one-sided view of reality and the role of symbols, which could be argued to have more nuance and complexity than is presented.
Overall, the article presents an interesting perspective on the dangers of overthinking and the benefits of meditation, but it could benefit from further exploration of related areas of knowledge and a more nuanced approach to the topic of symbols and reality.
Question 1
Why do most civilized people confuse symbols with reality?
"...the principal disadvantage of symbols is that we confuse them with reality..."
Question 2
What is the danger of constantly thinking or talking to oneself?
"...if i think all the time that is to say if i talk to myself all the time i don't have anything to think about except thoughts and therefore i'm living entirely in the world of symbols and i'm never in relationship with reality..."
Question 3
What is the point of meditation?
"...meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment and therefore if you meditate for an ulterior motive...you are not meditating because the future is a concept..."
Question 4
How should meditation make one feel?
"...meditation when correctly done has nothing to do with all that it's a kind of digging the present it's a kind of grooving with the eternal now and brings us into a state of peace where we can understand that the point of life the place where it's at is simply here and now..."
Understanding the Concept
- a. They are not useful
- b. They are confusing
- c. They do not exist
- d. They are separate from reality Correct Answer: b
- a. There is no difference
- b. The real world is made up of physical elements, while the conceptual world is made up of ideas and symbols
- c. The conceptual world is more important than the real world
- d. The real world is a dangerous concept Correct Answer: b
- a. Reality does not exist
- b. Reality is a physical world
- c. Reality is a spiritual world
- d. Reality cannot be defined Correct Answer: d
Question 1: What is the principal disadvantage of symbols?
Question 2: What is the difference between the real world and the conceptual world?
Question 3: What does the philosopher argue about reality?
Meditation
- a. To become more efficient in life
- b. To improve your character
- c. To shut up and become interiorly silent
- d. To reach a certain point Correct Answer: c
- a. It is a grim duty
- b. It is a punishment
- c. It is a kind of digging the present and grooving with the eternal now
- d. It is a method to improve your mind Correct Answer: c
- a. To reach a certain goal or destination
- b. To focus on the past or future
- c. To improve oneself
- d. The point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment Correct Answer: d
Question 1: What is the first basic reason for meditation?
Question 2: What is the essential principle of meditation?
Question 3: What is the point of life according to the author?
The Joy of Meditation
- a. It should be done as a grim duty
- b. It should be done as a form of punishment
- c. It should be done for the enjoyment of it
- d. It should be done to improve oneself Correct Answer: c
- a. To reach a certain point at the end of the composition
- b. To arrive at a particular place on the dance floor
- c. The journey itself is the point
- d. To improve oneself Correct Answer: c
- a. A state of confusion
- b. A state of constant chatter
- c. A state of peace and understanding
- d. A state of estrangement from reality Correct Answer: c
Question 1: What should be the attitude towards meditation?
Question 2: What is the point of making music or dancing?
Question 3: What is the state of mind that meditation brings?
Tips based on the content of the article:
- Shut up and become interiorly silent: It’s important to take breaks from the constant chatter going on inside our skulls. If we talk all the time, we don't have anything to think about except thoughts and therefore we're living entirely in the world of symbols and never in relationship with reality.
- Realize the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment: The future is a concept that doesn't exist. Therefore, meditating to achieve ulterior motives like improving your mind or character or being more efficient is not the point. The point is to enjoy the present moment.
- Meditate for the enjoyment of it: Meditation should not feel like a grim duty or a kind of self-punishment. It should be fun, a way to dig the present and groove with the eternal now, bringing us into a state of peace.
The best tip to include in daily life is to shut up and become interiorly silent. Taking breaks from the constant chatter going on inside our heads contributes to our overall well-being and helps us connect better with reality. It can be applied by taking a few minutes each day to clear your mind and silence any distractions, allowing room for mental clarity and peace.