Contemplation Quote by Alan W. Watts
![“[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_contemplation_t-he-world-as-described-is-included-in-b_254933.jpg)
““[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.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Mind, 1970s, spoken interview
Encourages awareness of life beyond intellectual analysis, integrating thought with natural experience.
In simple terms: Be aware of life without overthinking, yet keep thinking.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful awareness alongside thought.
Themes
mindfulness
philosophy
consciousness
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative work
- daily routines
- stress reduction
Key Concepts
Zen
nondualism
cognitive integration
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay present while thinking?
- What practices help you avoid mental confusion?
A Different Perspective
Balancing thought and awareness can be challenging.
![“[W]hen "the rule of law" becomes absolutized and everything is done by the book or the computer, people call out in desperation for the intervention of a reasonable human being.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/09a/alan-w-watts-9497_books_w-hen-the-rule-of-law-becomes-absolutize_1411319.jpg)
![“[T]he art of life is more like navigation than warfare, for what is important is to understand the winds, the tides, the currents, the seasons, and the principles of growth and decay, so that one's actions may use them and not fight them.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac3/alan-w-watts-9497_art_t-he-art-of-life-is-more-like-navigation_1279107.jpg)
![“[T]he natural universe is not a linear system. It involves an infinitude of variables interacting simultaneously, so that it would take incalculable aeons to translate even one moment of its operation into linear, alphabetic language.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/916/alan-w-watts-9497_nature_t-he-natural-universe-is-not-a-linear-sy_1068590.jpg)
![“[T]he chances of survival are best when there is no anxiety to survive, and [...] the greatest power is available to those who do not seek power and who do not use force. To be anxious to survive is to wear oneself out, and to seek power and to use force is to overstrain one's system. One is best…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/998/alan-w-watts-9497_anxiety_t-he-chances-of-survival-are-best-when-t_571080.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_harmony_s-een-as-a-whole-the-universe-is-a-harmo_262535.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…” 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)
