My Philosophy Heroes: Alan Watts and “THE EGO”
Awakening With Russell・10 minutes read
Alan Watts challenges the concept of the separate ego in "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are," arguing that it is a hallucination and stresses the importance of reconnecting with one's true nature as an organism connected to the environment, rather than as a separate personality. He advocates for letting go of the ego to align with a greater intelligence within the body, emphasizing a harmony with nature over ego-driven efforts to change human nature overnight.
Insights
- Alan Watts argues that the concept of a separate ego is a hallucination not supported by science or Eastern religions, emphasizing the importance of returning to a true view of oneself as an organism connected to the environment.
- Watts challenges the idea of changing human nature overnight, suggesting that the ego, which he claims doesn't truly exist, cannot be given up through ego-driven efforts, advocating for aligning with a greater intelligence within the body by letting go of the ego.
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Recent questions
Who is Alan Watts?
British philosopher interpreting Eastern philosophy for Western audiences.
What is the main argument in "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are"?
The ego is a hallucination not supported by science.
What does Alan Watts say about the indoctrination in educational systems?
Leads to associating external stress with personal identity.
Why does Alan Watts emphasize the importance of returning to a true view of oneself?
To recognize oneself as an organism connected to the environment.
How does Alan Watts suggest aligning with a greater intelligence within the body?
By letting go of the ego and embracing harmony with nature.
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Summary
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Alan Watts challenges ego's existence and importance.
- Alan Watts is a British philosopher known for interpreting Eastern philosophy for Western audiences, authoring over 25 books on philosophy and religion.
- In his book "The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are," Watts argues that the concept of a separate ego is a hallucination not supported by science or Eastern religions.
- Watts discusses the nature of the ego, highlighting its role in distinguishing oneself from others and the necessity of a psychological institution like the ego.
- He delves into the indoctrination experienced in educational systems, leading to the association of external stress with personal identity.
- Watts emphasizes the importance of returning to a true view of oneself as an organism connected to the environment, rather than a separate personality.
- He challenges the idea of changing human nature overnight, suggesting that the ego, which he claims doesn't truly exist, cannot be given up through ego-driven efforts.
- Watts explores the concept of a greater intelligence at work within the body, emphasizing a harmony with nature and the need to let go of the ego to align with this intelligence.
