I love discovering a “new” vintage Alan Watts video on the internet. The Eastern Wisdom and Modern Life series was produced by KQED San Francisco and aired sometime around 1960. Watts is about 45 years old here — truly in the prime of his life and career. Although this video was shot over 50 years ago, I’m struck with how important and relevant Watts’s core insights and recommendations are to the “modern life” of today.
In the following two-part video, Watts talks about the importance of transforming our attitude toward the natural environment, the art of getting out of one’s own way, and the Taoist concept of wu-wei (literally, non-doing or non-striving). He also discusses the art of the “controlled accident” and how a profound trust in one’s own nature can transform our lives. Enjoy!