Accepted Quote by Alan Watts
“We accepted a definition of ourselves which confined the self to the source and to the limitations of conscious attention. This definition is miserably insufficient, for in fact we know how to grow brains and eyes, ears and fingers, hearts and bones, in just the same way that we know how to walk and breathe, talk and think - only we can't put it into words. Words are too slow and too clumsy for describing such things, and conscious attention is too narrow for keeping track of all their details.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wisdom of Insecurity, Alan Watts, 1951
Our self‑concept limited to conscious focus misses the full spectrum of bodily and mental capacities, which are hard to articulate.
In simple terms: Self‑definition is too narrow and verbal.
Key Takeaway
Expand awareness beyond conscious limits.
Themes
selfhood
perception
embodiment
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- mindfulness practice
- creative work
- physical training
- holistic education
Key Concepts
consciousness
embodiment
language
cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you sense beyond words?
- What practices broaden perception?
A Different Perspective
Words and focus cannot capture the whole experience.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
