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Alan Watts Remastered

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Welcome to the Alan Watts Wisdom Channel on RumbleDive into the profound world of Alan Watts, the iconic philosopher, writer, and speaker who bridged Eastern wisdom with Western minds. This channel is dedicated to preserving and sharing the timeless teachings of Alan Watts, offering a sanctuary for seekers of truth, mindfulness, and existential insight in an increasingly chaotic world. Whether you're new to his work or a long-time admirer, here you'll find a curated collection of his lectures, audio recordings, essays, and discussions that explore the depths of human consciousness, the nature of reality, and the art of living fully. Join us on Rumble, a platform that champions free expression and uncensored content, as we unravel the mysteries of life through Watts' eloquent and often humorous lens.Alan Watts was born on January 6, 1915, in Chislehurst, England, into a middle-class family. His father was a representative for the Michelin tire company, and his mother was a housewife with a keen interest in the arts. From a young age, Watts exhibited a curiosity about the world that transcended the ordinary. He attended King's School in Canterbury, where he was exposed to classical education, but it was outside the classroom that his true education began. Influenced by his mother's collection of books on Eastern philosophy and his own voracious reading, Watts developed an early fascination with Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. By the age of 16, he had already become the secretary of the London Buddhist Lodge, a testament to his precocious intellect and spiritual inclination.In his early twenties, Watts immersed himself in the study of Zen Buddhism, corresponding with prominent figures like D.T. Suzuki, the Japanese author who popularized Zen in the West. This period marked the beginning of Watts' lifelong mission to interpret and demystify Eastern philosophies for Western audiences. He published his first book, The Spirit of Zen, in 1936 at the tender age of 21, drawing from Suzuki's works and his own insights. The book was a modest success but laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Watts' writing style was accessible, witty, and devoid of the academic jargon that often alienates readers from philosophical texts. He believed that philosophy should not be confined to ivory towers but should be a practical guide to living.Watts' personal life was as colorful and unconventional as his teachings. He married Eleanor Everett in 1938, and they had three children together, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1949. During this time, Watts emigrated to the United States in 1938, seeking new horizons. He briefly studied at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1945. However, his unorthodox views on Christianity—seeing it as compatible with Eastern mysticism rather than a dogmatic faith—led to conflicts with church authorities. By 1950, he had resigned from the priesthood, embracing a freer path as an independent philosopher and lecturer.The 1950s and 1960s were Watts' most prolific periods. Settling in California, he became a central figure in the burgeoning counterculture movement. San Francisco, with its Beat Generation poets and emerging hippie scene, provided the perfect backdrop for his ideas. Watts lectured extensively at universities, on radio programs, and at seminars, captivating audiences with his mellifluous voice and profound analogies. His radio show on KPFA in Berkeley, titled "Way Beyond the West," introduced thousands to concepts like the illusion of the ego, the interconnectedness of all things, and the folly of trying to control life. These broadcasts, many of which are featured on this channel, remain as relevant today as they were then.One of Watts' core teachings is the concept of "the self" as an illusion. He often likened the ego to a "bag of skin" that separates us from the universe, creating a false sense of isolation. In his lectures, he would say, "You are not just a skin-encapsulated ego; you are the whole works." This idea draws heavily from Vedanta and Zen, where the individual self (atman) is seen as identical to the universal self (Brahman). Watts argued that our suffering stems from this misidentification, leading to anxiety, greed, and conflict. By realizing our unity with the cosmos, we can achieve a state of effortless living, or what Taoists call wu wei—action without forcing.Expanding on this, Watts frequently discussed the nature of time and change. He viewed time not as a linear progression but as a eternal now, where past and future are mental constructs. "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance," he famously quipped. This perspective encourages embracing impermanence rather than resisting it, a lesson particularly poignant in our fast-paced digital age. On this channel, you'll find videos where Watts delves into these topics through storytelling, drawing from myths, parables, and everyday observations to make abstract ideas tangible.Watts' influence extended beyond philosophy into psychology and ecology. He was an early advocate for environmental awareness, seeing humanity's disconnection from nature as a symptom of ego-driven thinking. In books like The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (1966), he critiques Western society's materialistic pursuits, urging a return to a more holistic worldview. This book, often considered his masterpiece, uses metaphors like the universe as a game of hide-and-seek to explain self-realization. We feature audiobook excerpts and full readings of such works, allowing you to absorb his wisdom at your own pace.His approach to religion was eclectic and non-dogmatic. Watts saw all religions as fingers pointing to the moon—useful metaphors, but not the ultimate truth. He criticized institutional religion for turning living spirituality into rigid doctrine, much like freezing water into ice sculptures. Instead, he promoted a playful engagement with spiritual practices, such as meditation not as a chore but as a way to "just sit" and observe. Channels like ours on Rumble provide a space free from algorithmic censorship, ensuring that these unfiltered insights reach those who need them most.Let's explore some of Watts' key books in detail. The Way of Zen (1957) is perhaps his most famous work, offering a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism. Watts traces its history from Indian origins through Chinese Taoism to Japanese refinement, emphasizing its non-dualistic philosophy. He explains koans—paradoxical riddles like "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"—not as puzzles to solve but as tools to shatter logical thinking and reveal direct experience. This book demystifies Zen's emphasis on satori (enlightenment) as a sudden insight rather than gradual attainment.In Psychotherapy East and West (1961), Watts compares Eastern spiritual practices with Western psychotherapy, arguing that both aim to liberate the individual from neurotic patterns. He suggests that psychoanalysis, like Zen, seeks to dissolve the ego's defenses, but Eastern methods do so more holistically by integrating body, mind, and spirit. Watts' foresight here anticipates the mindfulness-based therapies popular today, such as MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction).Nature, Man and Woman (1958) addresses sexuality and gender from a Taoist perspective, viewing them as complementary forces like yin and yang. Watts challenges puritanical views, advocating for a sensual appreciation of life without guilt. In an era of evolving gender discussions, his words offer a balanced, non-judgmental view.Watts' lectures often incorporated humor, making profound topics approachable. He would mimic accents, tell jokes, and use analogies like comparing life to a musical composition where the goal isn't to reach the end but to enjoy the melody. Our channel includes rare recordings from his seminars at the Esalen Institute, where he interacted with luminaries like Aldous Huxley and Timothy Leary. These sessions explore psychedelics as tools for expanded consciousness, with Watts cautioning against dependency while acknowledging their potential to mimic mystical states.The impact of Alan Watts on modern culture is immeasurable. His ideas influenced the Beatles, Steve Jobs, and countless artists. Jobs, in particular, credited Watts' teachings with shaping his intuitive approach to design at Apple. In films like The Matrix, echoes of Watts' philosophy on reality as illusion are evident. Today, amid mental health crises and technological overload, Watts' call to "wake up" from societal hypnosis resonates deeply.On this Rumble channel, expect a variety of content: full-length lectures on topics like "The Myth of Myself," guided meditations, animated interpretations of his essays, and community discussions. We upload weekly, sourcing from public domain archives and licensed materials to keep his legacy alive. Subscribers get notifications for new releases, and we encourage comments for thoughtful exchanges—Rumble's community features foster genuine dialogue without shadowbanning.Why Alan Watts in 2025? As AI, climate change, and social upheaval challenge our sense of self, Watts' wisdom provides anchors. He reminds us that technology, like all tools, should serve human flourishing, not replace it. In Cloud-Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown (1973), his last book, Watts reflects on mountain living as a metaphor for detachment, offering solace in uncertain times.Delving deeper into his biography, after resigning from the priesthood, Watts moved to upstate New York, where he briefly worked as a counselor at the American Academy of Asian Studies in San Francisco in 1951. This role solidified his status as a bridge between cultures. By 1953, he was lecturing full-time, traveling across the U.S. and Europe. His second marriage to Dorothy DeWitt in 1950 produced four more children, though it too ended in divorce in 1963. Watts' third marriage to Mary Jane Yates King in 1964 lasted until his death.Watts' lifestyle embodied his philosophy—he enjoyed fine wines, cigars, and nature walks, seeing no contradiction in spiritual pursuit and earthly pleasures. He died on November 16, 1973, at age 58, from heart failure, leaving behind over 25 books and hundreds of recordings.Key themes in Watts' work include:The Illusion of Separation: We are not isolated beings but waves in an ocean of existence. This counters individualism's pitfalls. The Power of Now: Living in the present avoids regret and anxiety. Meditation practices help cultivate this. Playfulness in Life: Treat existence as a game or dance, not a serious struggle. Critique of Materialism: Pursuit of wealth and status is futile; true wealth is in experience. Integration of Opposites: Good and evil, life and death are interdependent. Our channel explores these through themed playlists, such as "Zen Basics" or "Taoist Living."To illustrate, consider Watts' analogy of the universe as a dream: "You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself." This shifts perspective from victim to participant.In terms of influence, Watts inspired the human potential movement, with Esalen Institute owing much to his workshops. His ideas prefigured positive psychology, emphasizing flow states and intrinsic motivation.For newcomers, start with "The Book"—it's concise yet transformative. Veterans might enjoy deeper dives into Behold the Spirit (1947), where he reinterprets Christianity mystically.We also feature guest analyses, comparing Watts to contemporaries like Krishnamurti or Jung. Jung's concept of the collective unconscious aligns with Watts' universal self.In ecology, Watts' Man, Woman, and Nature anticipates deep ecology, viewing humans as part of the biosphere.Socially, he critiqued conformity, influencing 1960s counterculture. Today, his anti-authoritarian stance appeals to those questioning institutions.On Rumble, we avoid mainstream biases, presenting Watts unadulterated.Quotes to ponder:"Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth." "The only Zen you'll find on mountain tops is the Zen you bring up there with you." "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."

Past Remaster

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Our mission is to upscale and preserve quality film covering key historical events and entertainment, predominantly from early 20th century Britain. We complement the golden age of film with contemporary colouring/remastering techniques, including the removal of video artefacts, anti-aliasing, frame interpolation, and more, to preserve the highest quality film possible from available source material. Despite contemporary GPUs in SLI it still takes a significant amount of time to remaster each item and provide the best viewing. While some uploads may appear poor relatively, quality has been improved with meticulous care via numerous techniques to provide the best looking glass possible into our past. Some of our footage is over 100 years old! We hope you enjoy our growing collection!

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