Alan Watts

(6 January 1915 – 16 November 1973) was a British-born philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known as an interpreter and populariser of Eastern philosophy for a Western audience. Born in Chislehurst, England, he moved to the United States in 1938 and began Zen training in New York. Pursuing a career, he attended Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, where he received a master’s degree in theology. Watts became an Episcopal priest in 1945, then left the ministry in 1950 and moved to California, where he joined the faculty of the American Academy of Asian Studies.

“But the attitude of faith is to let go, and become open to truth, whatever it might turn out to be.”  Alan Watts

“The reason we want to go on and on is because we live in an impoverished present.”  Alan Watts

“I have realized that the past and the future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.”  Alan Watts

“No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.” Alan Watts

“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. Alan Watts

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

“The art of living… is neither careless drifting on the one hand nor fearful clinging to the past on the other. It consists in being sensitive to each moment, in regarding it as utterly new and unique, in having the mind open and wholly receptive.” Alan Watts

“The more a thing tends to be permanent, the more it tends to be lifeless.” Alan Watts

“Every intelligent individual wants to know what makes him tick, and yet is at once fascinated and frustrated by the fact that oneself is the most difficult of all things to know.” Alan Watts

“A scholar tries to learn something everyday; a student of Buddhism tries to unlearn something daily.” Alan Watts

“Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.” Alan Watts

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