Who Am I _ What Are You _ The Ego - Alan Watts

In this thought-provoking lecture, Alan Watts delves into the profound questions "Who Am I?" and "What Are You?" to explore the nature of the ego and its role in our lives. Watts, a renowned philosopher and spiritual teacher, shares his wisdom on the importance of consciousness, mindfulness, and meditation in understanding our true selves. He draws from Eastern philosophy, Zen Buddhism, and Taoism to provide a unique perspective on the human experience. This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking enlightenment, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of the self. Watts' motivational words will inspire you to look beyond the ego and discover your true nature.

Alan Watts was an incredible philosopher and speaker who had a unique way of exploring Eastern philosophy and spirituality. His captivating lectures and books have inspired countless people around the world.

Alan Watts was born in England in 1915 and developed a deep interest in Eastern philosophy from a young age. He studied Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, and became a renowned interpreter of these philosophies for Western audiences. His ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought made him a popular figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

One of the central themes in Watts' teachings was the concept of "the self." He explored the idea that our sense of self is an illusion, and that we are all interconnected with the universe. He encouraged people to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simple act of being alive.

Watts had a way of delivering profound insights with a sense of humor and playfulness. He believed that life should be approached with a sense of wonder and curiosity, and that we should not take ourselves too seriously. His lectures often included anecdotes, stories, and metaphors that helped illustrate his points in an engaging and relatable way.

In addition to his lectures, Watts wrote numerous books on topics such as Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the nature of consciousness. Some of his most well-known works include "The Wisdom of Insecurity," "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are," and "The Way of Zen."

Alan Watts passed away in 1973, but his teachings continue to resonate with people today. His ability to distill complex philosophical concepts into accessible and relatable ideas has made him a beloved figure in the world of spirituality and philosophy.

Speaker: Alan Watts

Key Moments:

0:00 - Who Am I: The Most Fascinating Problem
0:33 - The Mysterious Nature of "I"
1:29 - Western View: The Ego as Skin-Encapsulated Self
2:12 - The Strange Usage of "I" vs Body Functions
3:33 - The Illusion of Being "In" the World
4:51 - We Come Out Of the World, Not Into It
10:50 - The Ego as a Supposed Island of Consciousness
14:00 - The Self as Expression of Universe's Intelligence
19:01 - The Ego as a Scientific Hallucination
24:39 - Spotlight vs Floodlight Consciousness
28:05 - Beyond Ego: The Universal Self
31:30 - How We're Taught a False Sense of Self
34:34 - The Alienated Self in Modern Culture