Just So
Money, Materialism, and the Ineffable, Intelligent Universe
Certain renowned figures are difficult to characterize, a fact that speaks to their diverse interests, ingenuity, and unique ability to gain and maintain influence across large swaths of society. Brilliance helps, no doubt, but more importantly these avatars seem to possess nimbleness of mind—an ability to make unfathomable connections, to put into words the unexplainable.
Alan Watts used such a formula to achieve his singular place among twentieth-century philosophers. A theologian by training, Watts was widely read in Eastern wisdom, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, and history, but he also brought to bear a formidable understanding of the forces and energies of the universe, and that combination enabled him the perfect pitch to reach his Western audience.
Just So: Money, Materialism, and the Ineffable, Intelligent Universe presents a series of transcribed lectures that Watts delivered aboard his houseboat, the SS Vallejo. The setting showcases his warmth and wit alongside magnificence like this:
The fundamental energy of the universe cannot be embraced in an idea, in a concept, in any collection of words, or in an explanation. It eludes all classification. You can’t possess or catch hold of it. You are it, and if you try to possess it, you’re implying that you aren’t.
And, yes, he assures us, “It is possible to realize we are identical with the fundamental energy of the universe.”
See also this insight about the reasons that meditation is so revealing:
it helps you stop valuing and putting a price on all the various things you could be aware of. When you stop thinking about it and are simply aware, it suddenly strikes you that everything is equally important, and that allows you to feel amazed at things you never were amazed at before—absolutely fascinated.
Watts deserves new readers; Just So won’t disappoint.
Reviewed by
Matt Sutherland
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
