Watts Reading Response

What is Watts' thesis? What is his view of religion? What does Watts see as the problem with the concept of "conquering" nature?How does Watts define the "new experience"? (p. 11)What does Watts see as the purpose of myths?How does Watts think someone finds his/her true identity?Draw a connection between this reading and 1984 and/or the song, "2+2 = 5." Cite specific passages to support your claim.

Watts' thesis is that humans, as parts of the entire universe, cannot understand the meaning of "I" or of individuality. He believes that we are all part of a single consciousness that is constantly playing "hide-and-seek" with itself. He believes, however, that an official religion based on these beliefs would be self-defeating, as religion is by nature exclusionary and distinguishes between believers and non-believers.

The purpose of myths, according to Watts, is to explain what something is like, rather than what it actually is. The problem he sees in attempting to conquer nature is that we are each an expression of the universe. In fighting nature we fight only ourselves. He says that only by acknowledging that we are miniscule pieces of the universe can we discover our own identity.

Watts' philosophy is somewhat similar to The Party's philosophy in "1984" in the concept that human beings are merely a part of something greater. However, Watts argues that this explains the roles of all types of people (the universe is playing games with itself) whereas the Party tries to make all people think the same way. Watts asserts that each person will eventually realize his/her role, but the Party tries to change people to fit its own image. This is the main difference between Watts' ideas and the Party's.