What Happens When You Only Pursue Pleasure - Alan Watts

Summary

The transcript explores the profound question of personal desires and the impact of societal pressures on career choices. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing genuine passions over monetary concerns, suggesting that mastery in one's chosen field can naturally lead to financial success. The speaker challenges the Western preoccupation with power and control, arguing that true satisfaction comes from letting go of the need to dominate. The discussion delves into the paradox of desire, highlighting the ultimate futility of seeking omnipotence and the dangers of excessive pleasure-seeking, which can lead to a 'hellish' state of pain and suffering. The key takeaway is the embrace of 'not knowing' as a form of humility and a gateway to accessing divine energy, suggesting that true power lies in relinquishing control.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The importance of self-reflection: The speaker emphasizes the need to ask oneself what they truly desire, especially when considering career paths or life goals.
• 💼 Vocational guidance: The script discusses the process of vocational guidance, where students are encouraged to consider what they would do if money were not a concern.
• 🎨 Pursuing passions: It highlights the common desire among students to pursue careers as artists, poets, or writers, despite societal pressures suggesting these are not financially viable.
• 💰 The illusion of financial security: The speaker points out the fallacy of pursuing a career solely for financial gain, suggesting it leads to a life of dissatisfaction.
• 🚀 The pursuit of mastery: The script suggests that genuine interest and passion in an activity can lead to mastery, which in turn can provide financial rewards.
• 🌱 Cultivating interests: The speaker encourages the development of diverse interests, as they can lead to fulfilling pursuits and like-minded communities.
• 🔄 The cycle of dissatisfaction: The script describes a societal pattern where people live lives they don't enjoy, only to raise children to repeat the same cycle.
• 💡 The desire for control: It discusses the human desire to control everything, which is often misguided and leads to disillusionment.
• 🎢 The paradox of pleasure: The pursuit of pleasure to its extreme can lead to a pursuit of pain, as seen in historical examples of decadent societies.
• 🙏 The wisdom of 'I don't know': The script suggests that acknowledging 'I don't know' is a form of humility and a step towards understanding one's true desires.
• 🌟 The power of letting go: Letting go of the need for control and acceptance of uncertainty can lead to a more powerful and fulfilling life.

Q & A

What is the main question the speaker asks students during vocational guidance?

The speaker asks students what they would like to do if money were no object, to understand their true desires and passions.

Why do many students express a desire to be artists, poets, or writers but feel discouraged?

Students feel discouraged because they believe these professions do not offer financial stability, due to societal perceptions and the educational system's influence.

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between doing what one loves and financial success?

The speaker suggests that if one truly loves and is passionate about what they do, they can eventually become a master of it and earn a good income, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion over money.

What is the speaker's view on spending a lifetime doing things one does not enjoy?

The speaker believes it is foolish to spend a lifetime doing things one does not enjoy, even for the sake of financial security, advocating for a life filled with what one loves to do.

What does the speaker imply about the cycle of raising children to follow the same path as their parents?

The speaker implies that this cycle is a form of 'retching or vomit' as it never leads to true satisfaction, suggesting a need for breaking this cycle to find genuine fulfillment.

What does the speaker suggest about the desire for control and its consequences?

The speaker suggests that the desire for control and the pursuit of technological omnipotence can lead to disillusionment and a lack of fulfillment, as it does not truly address what one wants.

Why does the speaker argue that having a completely predictable future is undesirable?

The speaker argues that a completely predictable future is akin to the past, offering no surprises or challenges, which are essential for personal growth and satisfaction.

What is the speaker's perspective on the pursuit of pleasure beyond a certain point?

The speaker warns that the pursuit of pleasure beyond a certain point can lead to a descent into the 'Naraka world,' or a state of torment and pain, as it becomes indistinguishable from the pursuit of pain.

What lesson does the speaker believe the Western world needs to learn regarding power and control?

The speaker believes the Western world needs to learn that the pursuit of power and control is not inherently fulfilling and that one should consider what they truly want to do with such power.

What does the speaker suggest is the state of 'desirelessness' and how is it achieved?

The state of 'desirelessness' is achieved when one truly does not know what they want, which can be a result of deep introspection and realization that superficial desires do not lead to fulfillment.

How does the speaker relate the act of letting go and not trying to control to accessing divine energy?

The speaker relates letting go and not trying to control to accessing divine energy by suggesting that the energy wasted in self-defense and trying to manage things can be redirected and used more productively when one ceases to cling to control.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Quest for True Desire

This paragraph explores the fundamental question of personal desire and fulfillment, particularly in the context of career guidance for students. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion, even if it seems financially unfeasible, over a lifetime of doing things one dislikes for monetary reasons. The speaker argues that genuine interest in an activity can lead to mastery and eventually financial success. The paragraph also touches on the futility of living a miserable life for the sake of money and the importance of breaking the cycle of raising children to repeat the same unfulfilling lifestyle. It concludes with a reflection on the human desire for control and the illusion of technological omnipotence, suggesting that true desire may not be about controlling everything but rather experiencing the unpredictable and the pleasantly surprising.

05:03

😕 Disillusionment with Power and Control

The second paragraph delves into the disillusionment with the concept of power and control. It challenges the idea that seeking power is a responsible pursuit and instead questions what one would actually do with such power. The speaker uses historical examples, such as the Roman Colosseum, to illustrate how the relentless pursuit of pleasure can lead to a descent into sadism and pain, reflecting a deeper spiritual crisis. The paragraph suggests that the true lesson for the Western world is to unlearn the obsession with power and control, as they do not lead to satisfaction. It also introduces the concept of 'desirelessness' as a state of not knowing what one truly wants, which is contrasted with the superficial desires for material pleasures and control.

10:12

🕊️ Self-Knowledge and the Divine Principle

In the final paragraph, the focus shifts to self-knowledge and the divine principle within. It discusses the inherent mystery of the self to itself, drawing parallels with the limitations of physical objects to act upon themselves. The speaker posits that the act of letting go and relinquishing control is akin to accessing a greater power, as it frees up energy that was previously wasted on self-defense and forcing conformity to one's will. The paragraph concludes with the principle that the more one gives away, the more one receives, suggesting a spiritual abundance that comes from trust and humility, rather than from trying to act as a god or dictator.

Keywords

💡Desire

Desire refers to a strong feeling of wanting to achieve something or obtain something. In the video's context, it is the driving force behind what individuals seek in life. The speaker explores the idea that people often desire to control or achieve certain life goals but ultimately realize that the pursuit of power or control does not lead to fulfillment. For example, the script mentions, 'what do you desire? what makes you itch?', highlighting the introspective nature of desire.

💡Vocational Guidance

Vocational guidance is the process of assisting individuals in making career choices and planning their professional development. The speaker uses this term to describe the scenario where students, unsure of their career paths, are encouraged to consider what they would do if money were not an issue, thereby revealing their true passions and interests.

💡Mastery

Mastery is the state of being highly skilled or proficient in a particular field or activity. The video emphasizes that true mastery comes from genuine interest and passion for what one does, rather than external rewards like money. The script states, 'you can eventually become a master of it,' suggesting that mastery leads to both personal satisfaction and professional success.

💡Power

Power, in this context, refers to the ability to control or influence people and events. The speaker discusses the disillusionment with the ideal of power, suggesting that seeking power for its own sake is not a sensible goal. The script mentions, 'the ideal of power to be in control,' indicating a critique of the desire for dominance over others or situations.

💡Pleasure

Pleasure is a state of enjoyment or satisfaction derived from one's experiences. The video contrasts the pursuit of pleasure with the realization that excessive indulgence can lead to a state akin to hell, as described by the Buddhist concept of 'Naraka.' The script warns against the thoughtless pursuit of pleasure, which can result in pain and suffering.

💡Control

Control here refers to the act of regulating or directing behavior, events, or processes. The speaker argues that the desire for control can lead to a predictable and therefore unsatisfying future. The script states, 'a completely predictable future is already the past,' illustrating the paradox of seeking control.

💡Educational System

The educational system is the organized institution responsible for the teaching and learning of knowledge and skills. The video criticizes the system for not encouraging students to pursue their genuine interests due to the perceived impracticality of certain careers like painting or writing. The script mentions, 'as a result of our kind of educational system,' highlighting its influence on shaping career aspirations.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is the state or fact of being accountable or to be trusted for one's actions. The speaker challenges the notion that seeking power is a sign of responsibility, suggesting that true responsibility may lie in understanding and fulfilling one's genuine desires rather than pursuing power for its own sake.

💡Humility

Humility is the quality of being modest and not overly proud or self-assertive. In the video, humility is presented as a state of letting go of control and not trying to force or control outcomes. The script connects humility with increased access to power and energy, as it frees one from the constant need for self-defense.

💡Desirelessness

Desirelessness is the state of being free from desires or cravings. The speaker describes this as a state of not knowing what one wants, which is a form of enlightenment rather than ignorance. The script contrasts the beginning and ending stages of not knowing, with the latter representing a deeper understanding and acceptance of one's true desires.

💡Self-Defense

Self-defense is the act of protecting oneself from harm or danger. In the context of the video, it metaphorically refers to the energy wasted in trying to control and manage every aspect of life. The script suggests that by ceasing to cling to oneself and letting go of control, one can access a greater power and energy.

Highlights

The importance of asking what you truly desire, especially in vocational guidance for students.

Many students lack a clear idea of what they want to do after college.

The hypothetical question of what you would do if money were no object.

The common misconception that certain professions like painting or writing are not financially viable.

The advice to pursue what you truly want and not worry about the money initially.

Becoming a master in a field by genuinely enjoying and being passionate about it.

The flawed approach of spending a lifetime doing things you dislike just to make a living.

The idea that having all pleasures at your command can eventually lead to seeking pain due to overindulgence.

The dangers of the pursuit of power and control, and the disillusionment that comes with it.

The realization that nobody truly wants to be God or have absolute control over everything.

The concept of desirelessness and the state of not knowing what you want.

The two stages of not knowing - the beginning stage of superficial thoughts and the ending stage of deeper understanding.

The reason people don't know what they want is because they have too much and don't truly know themselves.

Letting go of control and ceasing to cling to oneself as a way to access more power and energy.

The paradox that the more you give away, the more comes back to you.

The importance of self-reflection and introspection in understanding one's true desires and motivations.

The societal pressure to conform and the resulting cycle of raising children to follow the same path.

The need for the Western world to learn the lesson of not desiring power and control.

Transcripts

is a deeper question altogether which is what do you desire? what makes you itch?

what sort of a situation would you like? let's suppose I do this often in

vocational guidance of students they come to me and say well we're getting

out of college and we have the faintest idea what we want to do so I always ask

the question what would you like to do if money were no object what would how

would you really enjoy spending your life well it's so amazing as a result of

our kind of educational system crowds of students say well we'd like to be

painters we'd like to be poets we'd like to be writers but as everybody knows you

can't earn any money that way or another person says well I'd like to live in out

of doors life and ride horses I said you want to teach in a riding school let's

go through with it what do you want to do when we finally got down to something

which the individual says he really wants to do I will say to him you do

that and forget the money because if you say that getting the money is the most

important thing you will spend your life completely wasting your time you'll be

doing things you don't like doing in order to go on living that is to go on

doing things you don't like doing which is stupid better to have a short life

that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way and

after all if you do really like what you're doing it doesn't matter what it

is you can eventually turn it you could eventually become a master of it it's

the only way to become a master of something to be really with it and then

you'll be able to get a good fee for whatever it is so we don't worry too

much that that's everybody's somebody's interested in everything

and anything you can be interested in you'll find others as well but it's

absolutely stupid to spend your time doing things you don't like in order to

go on spending things you don't like doing things you don't like and to teach

your children to follow in the same track see what we're doing is we're

bringing up children and educating them to live the same sort of lives we under

me in order that they may justify themselves and find satisfaction in life

by bringing up their children to bring up their children to do the same thing

so it's all retching or vomit it never gets there and so therefore it's so

important to consider this question what do I desire well when we answer that

question in a naive way we figure out that we want to desire what we want is

to control everything to create girls that don't grow old apples that don't

rot clothes that never wear out conveyances that get from one place to

another instantly so we don't have to wait power available to do anything that

you could conceive and do it just instantly like that to get this funny

technological omnipotence but if you take time out to think about that and

really go into it with your full strength of imagination and find out

whether that's where you want to be you will soon see that's not what you want

because the moment you have a situation where you are really in control of

things that is to say in which the future is almost completely predictable

you will see as I said last night that a completely predictable future is already

the past you've had it and that's not what you wanted you want a surprise and

you don't know what that's going to be because obviously it wouldn't be a

surprise if you did you want a pleasant surprise but like

you say what sort of a surprise would be pleasant and you can't really answer

that because you know if there are to be such things as pleasant surprises there

must also be unpleasant surprises there must be rude shops so you're like

somebody taking one of those wishing well boxes you know tubs you know will

you fish in and you'll bring out a package and you don't know whether

you've got a dead rat in it or a new camera and that's the way that's that

seems to be the thing that really excites people but quite certainly there

comes out of this inquiry a feeling of real disillusionment with the ideal of

power to be in power to be in control is not something that any sensible person

wants now you may say that shirking responsibility that if you were a really

responsible person you would go out for power and try to use power it to the

best possible advantage for the benefit of all all right what would be the

benefit of all ask them what do you want me to do with this power

I'm dictator what would you like me to do well nobody knows because they

haven't thought it through they think of all sorts of short-range things and they

are largely conflicting and confusing because they're not well thought out but

again when it finally comes down to it nobody wants to be God now I think that

this is the greatest possible lesson for the Western world to learn because we

are so hung up on the idea of power of control of being able to make everything

go the right way and we've never thought it through when you get control of it

what are you going to do with it and so when you think things through

like that you understand you do not want power don't want to control over them

and therefore in the exploration of what you want you get to the point where

having all pleasures at your command and they Paul and you think of new

sources of pleasure and eventually you get like the ancient Romans who had all

these mad crowds of barbarians who had to go every Saturday to the Colosseum

for a show that really had to surpass everything because they had public baths

they had prostitutes they had every kind of luxury but when they went to see one

of the big shows that people like Nero put on they would have for example

floats circling the Colosseum all full of slave girls from distant parts of the

Mediterranean garlanded with flowers and waving at the crowd and going innocently

around in the next minute they would release wild lions into the arena to eat

up all the slave girls they got a big sadistic kick out of that because you

see pursuing pleasure beyond a certain place takes you in to what are the

Buddhists call the Naraka world that is to say the hells when you have explored

pleasure to its ultimate limit the only thing you can get a kick out of is pain

so naturally you descend from the devil world at the top of the wheel to the

naraka world at the bottom where it de shows all these beings in in states of

torture you get to the hell world as a result of not knowing what you want

as a result of thoughtless pursuit of pleasure which ends you eventually in

the pursuit of pain so when you're in the hell well that's where you want to

be so when I ask I go right down to the question should be started with what do

I want the answer is I don't know when Bodhidharma was asked who are you which

is another form of the same question he said I don't know planting flowers to

which the butterflies come Bodhidharma says I know not I don't know

whatever well when you don't know what you want you've really reach the state

of desirelessness when you really don't know

did you see there's a there's a beginning stage of not knowing and

there's an ending stage of not knowing in the beginning stage you don't know

what you want because you haven't thought about it or you've only thought

superficially and then when you somebody forces you to think about it and go

through and say yeah I think I like this I think I like that I think I'd like the

other as the middle stage then you get beyond that say is that what I really

want the end you say no I don't think that's it I might be satisfied with it

for a while and I wouldn't turn my nose up at it but it's not really what I want

why don't you really know what you want

two reasons that you don't really know what you want number one you have it

number two

you don't know yourself because you never can the Godhead is never an object

of its own knowledge just as a knife doesn't cut itself fire doesn't burn

itself light doesn't illumine itself it's always an endless mystery to itself

I don't know and this I don't know uh turd in the infinite interior of the

Spirit this I don't know is the same thing as I love I let go I don't try to

force or control it's the same thing as humility anytime you as it were

voluntarily let up control in other words cease to cling to yourself you

have an access of power because you're wasting energy all the time in

self-defence trying to manage things trying to force things to conform to

your will the moment you stop doing that that wasted energy is available

therefore you are in that sense having that energy available you are one with

the Divine Principle you have the energy when you're trying however to act as if

you were God that is to say you don't trust anybody and you're the dictator

and you have to keep everybody in line you lose the divine energy because what

you're doing is simply defending yourself so then the principle is the

more you give it away the more it comes back