Books Quote by Alan Wilson Watts
““Let’s say (since in writing a book one has to say something) that reality or existence is a multidimensional and interwoven system of varying spectra of vibrations, and that man’s five senses are attuned only to very small bands of these spectra. That sounds very profound and may mean nothing at all, but in reading it one should attend to the sound of the words rather than their meaning. Then you will get my point.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Nature of Reality, 1975
Reality is a complex, multi‑spectral tapestry; language often masks meaning, urging attention to sound over sense.
In simple terms: Words can be felt more than understood.
Key Takeaway
Listen to the rhythm of ideas.
Themes
reality
perception
language
Mood
contemplative
enigmatic
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative writing
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
phenomenology
sound symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does listening to words reveal?
- Can meaning emerge without literal interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on sound may obscure practical insight.
