Alan Watts on His Philosophy by Alan Watts on Free Online Video

In this lecture recorded at UCLA in 1973, Alan Watts briefly lays out his philosophy. At the time Watts was a popular author and lecturer, known for interpreting Eastern religious ideas for a Western audience. In this talk he outlines how intellectuals in the West have mostly moved from a Judeo-Christian worldview to a modern scientific and tragic view of a world without meaning. He points out that the emptiness of modern philosophy which is often seen as nihilistic in the West, is the starting point of philosophy in Eastern religions like Buddhism. Leading listeners on a brief meditation, Watts emphasizes the importance of silence and meditation in confronting the mysteries of life. He answers a number of questions on consciousness, activism, and death in the latter half of the lecture. Watts has a cough throughout the lecture and there are a few audio hiccups, but the talk still well worth listening to. Later in 1973 Watts passed away at the age of 58.