Happiness is NOT the Meaning of Life - Alan Watts

Some of history's greatest philosophers have spent their entire lives writing about the meaning of life. Why are we here? Surely there must be a reason? Many people in western culture believe the meaning of life is to "be happy". Alan Watts has a brilliant way of eloquently challenging this notion. If we were to live in a state of eternal bliss, then bliss would become dull. Without darkness, there would be no light. Without pain, there would be no pleasure. Happiness is based in perspective. Embrace every aspect of life, the good and the bad, and learn to see the beauty in it.

Song at the end: Adi Osi - Chiara

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[AfterSkool]

The Meaning Of Life according to:
Platonism - “learn more.”
Aristotelianism - “be good.”
Cynicism - “be self-sufficient.”
Hedonism - “have pleasure now.”
Epicureanism - “free yourself from pain now.”
Stoicism - “be logical, don't suffer.”
Classical Liberalism - “defend individual liberty.”
Kantianism - “do as you’d have others do (your duty).”
Nihilism - “do anything (life has no meaning).”
Pragmatism - “bring the most good to humans.”
Theism - “follow God’s will.”
Existentialism - “make decisions and be positive.”
Absurdism - “stop making sense of life. Just live.”
Humanism - “Act in self-interest and common good.”
Logical Positivism - “life has no meaning until you give it one.”
Natural Pantheism - “care for nature.”
Mohism - “love people impartially.”
Confucianism - “Live an ordinary life.”
Legalism - “learn practical things.”
Utilitarianism - “you get what you give.”
Cyrenaicism - “live in the present and seek maximum pleasure in the NOW.”

Just to name a few. What else is there?

[johnmission]

“Life can only be understood
Looking backwards. But is meant to be lived going forwards”

[smaimth]

This man could say anything and it would still sound so wise.

[ContinualImprovement]

Alan Watts - one of the best influences on my life.

[acerebel]

I can't put into words what the meaning of life is, but I feel it when listening to good music.

[lokinight]

I feel that as a gamer, someone that plays open world games a lot like minecraft this idea can be seen there as well. I find that i always go back to the basic if i achieved all the things the game has to offer, i just go back to the basics i guess you can say the process of getting there feels way more rewarding than actually being there. Thats all

[sevblau]

So where exactly did Alan deny that happiness is the meaning of life? Alan only says that fulfilling all our dreams and desires is not the meaning of life. Because in the end it would be boring, which I agree with. But I don't think "fulfilling all our dreams and desires" equals happiness. Infact I'd say happiness is rather the appreciation of every state of affairs.
But yeah, I think we just have two different definitions of happiness. :)
To me, happiness is the meaning of life.

[leahyeahhhh]

his voice never fails to bring me peace

[Tousicle]

Life is not here to make us happy. Life is here to make us conscious. -Eckhart Tolle

[FillyCheeseSteak]

“I never look back darling, it distracts from the now”

[Kyouma.]

"The purpose of life is just to live."
- Sadghuru

[tdfefdsa]

He's essentially saying: "maybe not being God is what's fun, even though it doesn't seem like it."

[JRPGGUY]

The purpose of life is whatever the hell i want it to be

[thutopstpr]

"What really matters is that we use our innate values of wisdom and compassion, our Inner Wealth, to benefit all living beings."
~ Karmapa

[erniegochez]

I can’t believe that at 32 I’m just now learning about Alan Watts. Of course I knew if him before, but I’m just now appreciating him.

[ktish]

Happiness may not be the "meaning" to life. But when you find true happiness, life sure is a beautiful thing.

[Erbalaiza]

Alan Watts and the way he portrays everything is a real mindblower, this is but a fraction of one of his many, many incredible lectures. Sadly people want to keep playing the senseless competition games instead of opening and advancing our consiousness to achieve a new level of civilization.

[piruzinho]

Watching this video helped me realize that really there is no point in living. Life sucks, and the end can't come soon enough...

[climbing_in_the_clouds]

Three years ago, I had my first meditative "vision", after two years of consistent meditative practice. This was the first time I experienced the complete abandonment of my ego and the realization of what everything truly is. When I woke up, the first thing I said to myself was, "HOLY SHIT! That's what they mean when they say, "All is one"" Honestly, it was an overwhelming experience. I felt vulnerable and naked. I was too afraid to meditate again until half a year later. Now, I am infinitely grateful for that enlightening experience.

[arizonasucculent]

Life will never be easy and it will never be a smooth ride. Happiness can be found in it from the most unlikely places. We all strive be happy at the end of our lives but what about when we're LIVING our lives. Sure some days will be terrible and others may want to make you give up. But finding those little moments of happiness or peace can really make you appreciate the life you're living in..if the world seems dark, be the light.