Transcending the Ego: Alan Watts’ Philosophy for Personal Development
I recently watched an interesting video about the iconoclastic life of Alan Watts. A couple months prior, I’d read some of his old books and listened to his talks from the 60s on Spotify. His timeless messages still ring true, so I wanted to learn more about his comment that, “People say you can’t change human nature overnight. You’re asking us to give up the ego and that’s the most difficult of all things to do, actually it isn’t because the ego doesn’t exist.” This piqued my interest when I heard it in this video, and I wanted to find out more since there wasn’t any explanation. Here’s what I found out…
Understanding the Illusory Nature of Ego: Insights from Alan Watts
Alan Watts, the British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known for his interpretation and popularization of Asian philosophies for the Western audience, made significant contributions to our understanding of individual identity and self-perception, especially the notion of the ego. His writings and lectures often stressed the illusory nature of the ego and its associated feelings of separation from the universe.
Watts described the ego as a socially constructed identity, a fabricated sense of self that we adopt in order to navigate the complexities of societal norms and expectations. Watts therefore believed that our egos are a myth and are in fact temporary and contingent expressions of the whole. He argued that the ego, as we typically understand it, is merely an abstract concept, a story we tell ourselves, rather than an intrinsic or concrete aspect of our being.
The act of trying to eliminate or transcend the ego is based on the assumption that the ego is a real, substantial entity that we possess. But according to Watts, this is a misconception, and thus, it isn’t possible to give up or transcend an ego that is an illusion. The ego, as we typically understand it, is not a concrete thing, but rather a concept that arises from our thoughts, beliefs, and societal conditioning, rather than an intrinsic or immutable aspect of our being.
Central to Watts’ philosophy is the idea that the ego is a false sense of identity. He suggests that the ego is not the true self, but rather a mere representation or symbol of the self. Because it is an illusory construct developed through social conditioning and language, it serves to separate us from the rest of the universe, thereby causing a sense of alienation and disconnection.
Watts often used the metaphor of waves and the ocean to describe the relationship between the individual (ego) and the universe. Each wave, he said, might consider itself a separate entity, distinct from the ocean. However, this perception is illusory; the wave is not separate but is an intrinsic part of the ocean. Similarly, the ego or the ‘I’ that we think we are is not separate from the universe but is fundamentally connected to it. This is the essence of Watts’ ontology: that the universe is a single, interconnected entity, and that the sense of a separate self is a misperception fostered by social and linguistic conventions.
The Paradox of Control: How the Ego Constructs a False Narrative
Another critical aspect of Watts’ philosophy is his interpretation of the illusion of control that the ego perpetuates. According to Watts, the ego creates a false narrative of being the executive in charge of one’s thoughts, actions, and feelings. This illusion is fundamentally misleading because, in reality, our thoughts, actions, and feelings often arise spontaneously, not as a result of conscious decision-making. Thus, our perception of control over our own lives is largely an illusion maintained by the ego.
In his works, Watts also illuminates the consequences of living with this illusion. He suggests that the misguided belief in the ego as a separate, controlling entity leads to a host of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. This is because the ego is constantly striving to control and predict an inherently unpredictable and uncontrollable universe. This futile struggle against the inevitable uncertainties of existence is what Watts identifies as the root cause of much of our suffering.
Interconnectedness vs. Isolation: Watts’ Critique of Western Dualism
Watts also critiques the Western mind-body dualism, which further strengthens the illusion of the ego. The belief that the mind (the realm of the ego) is a separate entity from the body fosters a sense of division and disconnection from our own physicality and the physical universe. Watts posits that this dualistic perspective is another manifestation of the ego illusion, one that further alienates us from the interconnected nature of the universe and our place within it.
Watts’ philosophy encourages ego-transcendence, a shift in perspective wherein the illusory nature of the ego is recognized and the fundamental interconnectedness of the self with the universe is acknowledged. This shift, according to Watts, leads to a state of liberation, a release from the anxieties and problems associated with the illusory ego and its futile attempts to control and predict the universe. Ego-transcendence, as Watts describes it, enables a more authentic, fulfilling, and harmonious way of being in the world.
Watts’ perspective on the ego is deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, which emphasize the transient and interconnected nature of existence. The impermanence and interdependence of all things is a recurrent theme in Watts’ philosophy, and this is most clearly seen in his discourse on the ego.
Transcending the Ego: Liberation through Understanding
An essential quote from Watts that illustrates his perspective on the ego comes from his book “The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety”. He states: “The ego is nothing other than the focus of conscious attention. It is like a radar on a ship that is constantly scanning the environment, watching for trouble. And in watching for trouble, it implies there is something wrong, something to be afraid of and defend against. And therefore, it is always scanning the changes around us and in us for any signs of deviation from the norm.”
This quote illuminates Watts’ belief that the ego is a point of conscious attention that continuously anticipates trouble and creates anxiety. The ego, in its continuous search for safety and stability, perpetuates fear and defensiveness, setting us apart from our surroundings and our own selves.
Another significant quote from Watts, from the book “The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are”, goes: “We do not ‘come into’ this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree. As the ocean ‘waves,’ the universe ‘peoples.’ Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature, a unique action of the total universe.” This quote encapsulates Watts’ view of the interconnectedness of the universe and the illusory nature of the separate self or ego.
Watts’ discourse on the ego is a profound critique of the modern Western understanding of the self. His philosophy calls for a radical reassessment of our perceived identities and our relationships with the universe. Through quotes like, “Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth,” he encourages us to see beyond the illusion of the ego and to recognize our true nature as interconnected beings in a fluid and ever-changing universe.
Further emphasizing the illusory nature of the ego, Watts wrote in “The Way of Zen”: “The reason why certain people turn to philosophy, why I became a philosopher, since I was a little boy, I always felt that existence as such was weird. I mean, here we are. Isn’t that odd?” This quote underscores Watts’ fascination with the inherent mystery of existence, and how the ego, in its attempt to provide a sense of certainty and control, often blinds us to the wondrous strangeness and interconnectedness of our existence.
Alan Watts’ perspective on the ego was fundamentally rooted in the idea that it is an illusion — a false construct rather than a tangible or inherent aspect of our being. When he said that we can’t get rid of our ego because it doesn’t really exist, he was highlighting the paradox at the heart of many spiritual and self-improvement endeavors.
The Art of Being: Alan Watts’ Perspective on Ego and Illusion
In his book “The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety”, Watts wrote, “The ego is a social institution with no physical reality. The ego is simply your symbol of yourself. Just as the word ‘water’ is a noise that symbolizes a certain liquid without being it, so too the idea of ego symbolizes the role you play, who you are, but it is not the same as your living organism.”
This quote articulates Watts’ central argument: the ego is a symbol, a representation of ourselves that we mistake for our true selves. It’s a role we play, not our inherent identity.
In another illuminating passage from his book “The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are”, Watts wrote, “You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.” This quote underscores the notion that our identity, far from being fixed or stable, is constantly in flux. The ego, with its insistence on a consistent, static identity, is at odds with this dynamic nature of our existence.
The paradox, then, lies in the fact that we often strive to eliminate something that doesn’t actually exist in the first place. The very act of trying to get rid of or transcend the ego reinforces the illusion of its existence, because it presumes that there’s an ego to rise above.
Instead, Watts suggested, the path to liberation lies not in eliminating the ego, but in recognizing its illusory nature. He wrote in “The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are”: “For there is no self to realize. The self is an abstraction of the mind, an idea. And no idea can make itself happen.”
Understanding the Illusory Nature of Ego: Exploring the Paradox of Self-Identity
By recognizing that the ego is an abstraction, a mere idea, we can begin to see through its illusions. We can start to understand that our sense of a separate self is a story we tell ourselves, not an inherent reality. In understanding this, we can start to release our attachment to this story and open ourselves to a more fluid, interconnected understanding of selfhood and existence.
To expand on this, Watts explained in “The Wisdom of Insecurity”: “To understand music, you must listen to it. But so long as you are thinking, ‘I am listening to this music,’ you are not listening.” Watts employs this metaphor to underscore that the very act of identifying with the ego (“I am listening”) prevents us from fully experiencing and engaging with the present moment. It creates a sense of duality, a separation between the observer and the observed, that is at odds with the fundamental interconnectedness of existence.
Watts consistently stressed the importance of present-moment awareness and full immersion in experience, free from the ego’s dualistic perspective. His philosophy encourages us to let go of our preoccupation with our constructed identities and to instead engage more fully and authentically with the present moment.
In conclusion, Watts’ assertion that we can’t get rid of the ego because it doesn’t exist isn’t a defeatist perspective, but rather a liberating one. It suggests that the path to liberation doesn’t involve a battle against a substantial, internal adversary, but rather a shift in perspective. By seeing through the illusion of the ego, we can begin to experience our existence more directly and authentically, free from the constraints of our self-imposed stories and identities. As Watts succinctly puts it in “The Wisdom of Insecurity”, “The real reason why human life can be so utterly exasperating and frustrating is not because there are facts called death, pain, fear, or hunger. The madness of the thing is that when such facts are present, we circle, buzz, writhe, and whirl, trying to get the ‘I’ out of the experience. We pretend that we are amoebas.”
Alan Watts’ discourse on the ego offers a transformative perspective on selfhood and existence. He invites us to transcend the illusion of the ego, to embrace the inherent uncertainty and interconnectedness of existence, and to engage more authentically and harmoniously with ourselves, others, and the universe. His philosophy serves as a compelling antidote to the feelings of separation, anxiety, and disconnection that plague contemporary society, offering instead a vision of unity, tranquility, and wholeness.
Breaking Free from the Ego: How to Apply This Wisdom to Your Own Life
I love to read the books of Alan Watts because they get me thinking about the profound, yet practical messages, he communicates better than other modern spiritual writers. Although it seems so simple and I get great insights on how to live better when I’m reading the books, I tend to forget how to apply to everyday life. That’s why I’ve found that journaling is a helpful habit for internalizing spiritual truths.
Try these personal development journaling prompts that relate to Alan Watts’ philosophy on the ego and interconnectedness…
1. Reflect on the concept of the ego as an illusion. How does this perspective resonate with your current understanding of self?
2. Think about a time when you felt your ego was trying to assert control in a situation. How might recognizing the ego as a construct rather than an inherent part of your identity change your approach to similar situations in the future?
3. Consider the metaphor of the ocean and the waves used by Watts. How does this analogy influence your understanding of your relationship with the universe?
4. How does the concept of interconnectedness influence your perception of your relationships with others, with nature, and with the universe as a whole?
5. Explore a situation where you felt the need to maintain a consistent identity. How might Watts’ perspective on the fluid, ever-changing nature of the self affect your view of this situation?
6. Contemplate on Watts’ idea that the very act of trying to eliminate the ego reinforces its illusion. What strategies can you develop to acknowledge the ego without reinforcing its illusion?
7. Reflect on the paradox of control and the notion that our actions, thoughts, and feelings often arise spontaneously. How does this align with your personal experiences?
8. Consider the Western perspective of mind-body dualism critiqued by Watts. How do you perceive the relationship between your mind and body?
9. How can the understanding of ego as an abstract idea impact your daily life and decision-making processes?
10. Meditate on the quote from Watts, “You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.” How does this resonate with your personal growth journey, and how can you incorporate this perspective into your life?
How to Make Important Insights Stick
In addition to journaling, I’ve found that the best way for me to really internalize profound insights about a life well lived is to write fictional short stories in which the characters go through trials & tribulations before coming to an important realization and learning powerful lessons about life. When I put some version of myself into the characters, and they learn and grow in the story, I learn & grow in real life. This is a surprisingly fun, fascinating, and effective way to approach personal development and manifest my goals and dreams.
Therefore, I wrote a book about how anyone can do this effectively. Check out Narrative Alchemy — Be the Author of Your Own Life. You can read it for free when you take a free trial to Kindle Unlimited.
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