Alan Watts | The Concept of Time

In this thought-provoking lecture, Alan Watts delves into the nature of time as a social institution rather than a physical reality. Through his eloquent discourse, Watts clarifies that concepts such as time, language, and measurements (inches, meters, latitude, and longitude) are social conventions developed for mutual agreement and convenience.
Key Points Covered:
Time as a Convention: Watts explores how time is created and agreed upon by society, similar to language and numbers.
Rhythms vs. Time: The natural world operates in rhythms (tides, biological processes), not in the human-constructed concept of time.
Social Constructs: The lecture discusses how our societal constructs drive us, highlighting the notion that "time is money" and how we live in a culture driven by deadlines.
The Role of Clocks and Compasses: Just like rulers, clocks, and compasses are tools that help us measure and navigate our world, emphasizing their abstract nature.
Perception and Reality: Watts reflects on how our perception of time and space is a construct of our consciousness, often leading us to take these constructs too seriously.
Philosophical Insights: He discusses the impact of understanding the ground of being and how it affects our behavior and consciousness.
Notable Quotes:
"Time is a social institution and not a physical reality."
"In the natural physical world, there is rhythm and there is motion."
Call to Action:
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