What Happens When You Only Pursue Pleasure - Alan Watts

After Skool9 minutes read

The text emphasizes pursuing passion over money, encouraging individuals to focus on what they genuinely enjoy doing to find fulfillment and success. It warns against extremes in pursuit of pleasure and highlights the benefits of giving up control, trusting in the unknown, and embracing humility for a greater sense of energy and alignment.

Insights

  • Pursuing one's true desires is more fulfilling than focusing solely on financial gain, emphasizing the importance of doing what one loves in life.
  • Letting go of control and trusting in the unknown can lead to a greater sense of energy and alignment with divine principles, contrasting with the draining nature of trying to control everything.

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Recent questions

  • How can one find fulfillment in life?

    By pursuing what one truly desires over money, as doing what one loves is more fulfilling than solely seeking financial gain.

  • What is the downside of pursuing power and control?

    It can lead to a predictable future lacking excitement and surprise, diminishing the richness of life experiences.

  • Why is it important to focus on what one enjoys doing?

    Mastery and success can follow passion and dedication, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

  • What can happen if pleasure is pursued excessively?

    It can result in a descent into pain and dissatisfaction, highlighting the importance of balance in life.

  • How can one combat a state of desirelessness?

    By embracing humility, letting go of control, and trusting in the unknown, individuals can find a sense of power and connection to the divine, leading to a greater sense of energy and alignment with the divine principle.

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Summary

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Follow passion, not money, for fulfillment.

  • In vocational guidance, students are often asked what they would do if money were not a concern, revealing desires like painting, writing, or living an outdoor life.
  • Emphasizes pursuing what one truly desires over money, as spending life doing what one loves is more fulfilling than doing things solely for financial gain.
  • Encourages individuals to focus on what they genuinely enjoy doing, as mastery and success can follow passion and dedication.
  • Criticizes the pursuit of power and control, highlighting that a completely predictable future lacks excitement and surprise.
  • Warns against pursuing pleasure to extremes, as it can lead to a descent into pain and dissatisfaction.
  • Suggests that not knowing what one wants can lead to a state of desirelessness, where humility and letting go of control can lead to a sense of power and connection to the divine.
  • Concludes that giving up control and trusting in the unknown can lead to a greater sense of energy and alignment with the divine principle, contrasting with the draining nature of trying to control everything.
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