Curiosity Quote by Alan W. Watts
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
““[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks for an experience, a vision, a revelation which will explain, without words, why there is the universe, and what it is [...].””
About This Quote
It argues that abstract, ultimate questions are not meant to be answered verbally but to trigger a direct, non‑conceptual insight into existence.
In simple terms: Metaphysical wonder seeks experience, not words.
Key Takeaway
Seek revelation, not definition.
Themes
existential inquiry
non‑verbal cognition
spiritual experience
philosophical limits
Mood
awe
curiosity
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- contemplating the cosmos
- meditative practice
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
meaning beyond language
intuition
visionary insight
Practical Applications
- creative writing
- spiritual counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to 'know' something without words?
- How can one cultivate non‑verbal insight?
![“[T]he world as described is included in but is not the same as the world as it is. As a way of contemplation, it is being aware of life without thinking about it, and then carrying this on even while one is thinking, so that thoughts are not confused with nature.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ff/alan-w-watts-9497_life_t-he-world-as-described-is-included-in-b_254933.jpg)
![“[S]een as a whole the universe is a harmony or symbiosis of patterns which cannot exist without each other.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/782/alan-w-watts-9497_peace_s-een-as-a-whole-the-universe-is-a-harmo_262535.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
