Analogy Quote by Alan Wilson Watts
““There is, then, an analogy–and perhaps more than mere analogy–between central vision and conscious, one-at-a-time thinking, and between peripheral vision and the rather mysterious process which enables us to regulate the incredible complexity of our bodies without thinking at all. It should be noted, further, that we call our bodies complex as a result of trying to understand them in terms of linear thought, of words and concepts. But the complexity is not so much in our bodies as in the task of trying to understand them by this means of thinking.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Nature of Consciousness, Alan Watts, 1965
Central vision equals focused, linear thought; peripheral vision represents the unconscious regulation of bodily complexity, which linear thinking cannot fully explain.
In simple terms: Focused thought is like central vision; the rest works unconsciously.
Key Takeaway
Balance conscious focus with intuitive awareness.
Themes
mindfulness
consciousness
body-mind integration
complexity
Mood
calm
curiosity
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- physical training
- complex problem solving
- creative design
Key Concepts
Systems theory
embodied cognition
non-linear thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate peripheral awareness into daily decisions?
- What role does intuition play in understanding complex systems?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on intuition can be risky.
