"If you study the writings of the mystics, you will always find things in them that appear to be paradoxes, as in Zen, particularly"

This quote by Alan Watts recommends that the works of mystics frequently consist of mysteries, which can be difficult to recognize. A mystery is a declaration that seems contradictory or ridiculous, yet is in fact true. In Zen, this is specifically real, as the mentors usually have paradoxes that can be difficult to understand. By examining the works of the mystics, we can obtain insight right into these mysteries as well as get a much better understanding of the mentors. This quote motivates us to take the time to examine the writings of the mystics, as it can help us to obtain a much deeper understanding of the teachings as well as the paradoxes had within them.