Famous quote by Alan Watts

"To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float"

About this Quote

Alan Watts, a prominent British thinker, author, and speaker, typically brightened complex spiritual and philosophical ideas with profound simpleness. The quote "To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you do not clinch the water, due to the fact that if you do you will sink and drown. Rather, you relax, and float" encapsulates his technique to comprehending faith and the art of living.

At its core, this quote checks out the nature of faith through the metaphor of swimming. Water, which can represent unpredictability or the circulation of life, provides an obstacle to the person. In this context, faith is likened to the trust one needs to have to effectively browse the waters of existence. Simply as a swimmer should let go of any impulse to stick onto water for assistance-- understanding that such an action will lead to sinking-- likewise, a private need to discover to rely on themselves and the natural course of events. This trust involves giving up the impulse to control every aspect of life, thereby enabling a more harmonious and less resistant experience.

Watts suggests that true faith is less about putting in control over the external world and more about internal surrender. By "relaxing and floating", a private discovers to move with the existing, adapting to life's ups and downs without excessive resistance or fear. This forfeiture of control is not associated with passivity but rather signifies a state of active trust that life will support and direct the person when they are open to its rhythm.

Furthermore, the metaphor highlights that stress, anxiety, and the ruthless requirement to control can cause one's failure, comparable to drowning. Instead, Watts advocates for a state of approval and tranquility, which not only stabilizes the private in the middle of turmoil but also promotes a deeper connection with life's intrinsic nature. In essence, Watts argues that faith, just like effective swimming, requires balance, trust, and an openness to the unfolding journey.

About the Author

England Flag This quote is written / told by Alan Watts between January 6, 1915 and November 16, 1973. He/she was a famous Philosopher from England. The author also have 41 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Poet
John Dewey, Philosopher