Alan Watts Being in the Way Ep. 24 – Myth of Myself
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Aug 2, 2023 
Alan Watts, a renowned philosopher, invites listeners to ponder the intricate notions of identity and the ‘Myth of Myself.’ He critiques the Western conception of self as isolated, presenting a more interconnected view of existence. Watts emphasizes the importance of shifting from a narrow ‘spotlight consciousness’ to a broader ‘floodlight consciousness,’ fostering awareness of our cosmic interconnectedness. He also explores fears related to death and how understanding our place within the universe can lead to personal growth and compassion.
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A Child's Question
- Children, influenced by Western culture, ask questions like, "Who would I have been if my father had been someone else?"
- This reflects the idea of a soul inserted into a body, separate from the world.
Emerging, Not Entering
- We don't enter the world but emerge from it, like apples from a tree.
- We are symptoms of the universe's state, not separate entities.
Two Myths
- Western thought is shaped by two myths: the world as an artifact and the world as a machine.
- The artifact myth suggests a celestial creator who put the world together.