Alan Watts

Date of Birth: January 6, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 16, 1973

Biography

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for Western audiences. Born in Chislehurst, England, Watts moved to the United States in 1938 to pursue a career in religious studies. He became an Episcopal priest but left the ministry in 1950 to focus on teaching, writing, and lecturing. Watts is renowned for his works on Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the nature of reality, and he authored more than 25 books and numerous articles on spirituality and the human experience. His engaging style and deep insights made him a pivotal figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and beyond.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Watts

1. Alan Watts began experimenting with hallucinogens in the 1960s, believing they could provide profound spiritual insights.

2. He was a prolific speaker and recorded hundreds of lectures, many of which are still widely listened to and appreciated today.

3. Watts was a trained Anglican priest before he left the ministry to explore Eastern philosophies more fully.

4. Despite his deep involvement with Eastern religions, Watts never adhered strictly to one specific tradition, instead advocating for a syncretic approach.

5. He lived on a ferryboat in Sausalito, California, for several years, which became a hub for intellectual and spiritual discussions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Watts

1. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

2. “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.”

3. “You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.”

4. “This is the real secret of life—to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”

5. “Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.”