Awe Quote by Alan Watts
“When your eyes are functioning well you don't see your eyes. If your eyes are imperfect you see spots in front of them. That means there are some lesions in the retina or wherever, and because your eyes aren't working properly, you feel them. In the same way, you don't hear your ears. If you have a ringing in your ears it means there's something wrong with your ears. Therefore, if you do feel yourself, there must be something wrong with you. Whatever you have, the sensation of I is like spots in front of your eyes - it means something's wrong with your functioning.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Nature of Perception, 1965
Self‑awareness reveals flaws in our senses; recognizing these imperfections helps us understand deeper psychological distress.
In simple terms: Seeing or hearing problems mirrors inner dysfunction.
Key Takeaway
Notice physical signs as clues to mental health.
Themes
mindfulness
self‑awareness
psychology
health
perception
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- medical check‑ups
- mindfulness meditation
- therapy sessions
- self‑reflection journals
Key Concepts
sensory metaphor
psychosomatic connection
self‑diagnosis
Questions to Reflect On
- What bodily signals might you be ignoring?
- How does awareness change your response to discomfort?
A Different Perspective
Physical symptoms can be misinterpreted without professional guidance.
