Tao of Philosophy - Alan Watts

This article is also available here.

I am interested in the problem of 'control' and how it relates to the complexity of the modern world. As we try to subject natural processes to rational control, we often hinder ourselves. For example, look at how bureaucracy and red tape obstruct individuals in various fields. For example, when studying Eastern cultures and their ideas, we should not convert them to a Western style, but use them to understand our own assumptions and perspectives better. By contrasting different cultural viewpoints, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of reality.

I want to raise the question of how humans should relate to their environment, especially with the power of technology. In the Western model, there is an idea of directing evolution and the importance of knowing what we truly want. The concept of control is intertwined with the concept of the universe as a construct, and the idea of the universe as a machine.

The development of thinking, or calculus, is based on the observation that the physical universe is wiggly and complex. Humans have a tendency to straighten things out and create order. The idea of measurement and calculation is to break down the complexity into comprehensible units. However, this may be a biased perspective. In philosophy and art, there are two personality types: prickles, who seek precision and statistics, and goo, who value intuition and mysticism. The natural universe is a combination of both prickles and goo, depending on the level of magnification.
The 'structure' around us plays role it plays in our understanding of the world. The idea of 'matter' as a basic component of the world is not considered in science, as everything is described in terms of structure. Our ability to divide experiences into distinct elements is related to our consciousness and the way we pay attention to things. The nature of our attention is selective, and how we only notice things for which we have a notation or a way of representing them. There is some difficulty in defining what constitutes a 'thing' or an 'event'. These concepts are often taken for granted in our culture.

There is also a tendency to reduce the complexity of the world to things or bits in order to understand and control it. However, this reductionist approach has limitations, as it fails to account for the interconnectedness and unpredictability of systems. There is the problem of information overload and the reliance on technology to manage and process vast amounts of information. Humans have a unique ability for pattern recognition and field organization which machines lack. I question whether technology is neglecting the potential of the human brain.

The complexity of human beings and their inability to fully understand themselves is compared to Gödel's theorem, which states that a logical system cannot define its own axioms. If humans were able to completely understand their own brains, they would be like God, but without any surprises or excitement. However, a person who functions optimally is able to trust their own brain and make discoveries without conscious thinking. This process of creative invention often involves taking a break from thinking and allowing the brain to come up with a solution. While this approach may not always align with traditional forms of analyzing knowledge, it can lead to quick and effective solutions.

There are limitations of technological knowledge and a need for a balance between technology and organic thinking. Kinesthetic and social intelligence are often neglected in academic education. I am concerned about the destructive impact of linear thinking. There is a need to trust our own nature. Projecting control systems onto external authorities can lead to domination and a disconnect from physical reality.

In India, it is believed that when a person seeks liberation, they must first free themselves from their past karma. Karma is seen as a moral law of retribution, where good and bad actions have consequences that must be resolved. The sage practices Nishkama Karma, performing actions without attachment to the results, in order to avoid generating future karma. When one begins the spiritual journey, they may face challenges as their karmic debts are cleared. Similarly, in Christianity, it is advised not to let the devil know of one’s intentions to change, as he will oppose it. Acting without premeditation and intention is seen as a way to escape karma and the devil’s influence. The Taoist approach emphasizes getting free from karma without making any prior announcement.

The simplest way to unload a train of its freight cars is to uncouple between the engine and the first car, which gets rid of the whole bunch at once.

The Taoist philosophy offers a shortcut to liberation by using intelligence instead of effort. It challenges the notion of karma and presents a way to see into one’s own nature and the Tao. There is no progression in time and that the present moment is eternal. The continuity of life is seen as an illusion, similar to the illusion of a circle created by a spinning cigarette. The present moment is emphasized as the key to avoiding problems and experiencing liberation.

Live in the present moment and let go of your attachments to the past and future. Explore the idea of thought after thought without blockage, similar to the mind of a child. Notice the relationship between music and the perception of melody. There is the need to eliminate attachments and live in the now to avoid unnecessary suffering. Once you become firmly established in the present moment, you can play with connections and continuities without being haunted by them.