post #1

What is Watts' thesis? Just what should a young man or woman know in order to be "in the know"? Is there in other words, some inside information, some special taboo, some real lowdown on life an existance that most parents and teachers either don't know or won't tell?

What is his view of religion? He thinks thay are all the same with some sort of taboo that will eventually be regular everyday talk amongst the citezins of the world.

What does Watts see as the problem with the concept of "conquering" nature? To conquer nature you must conqure that universe which in it self means you muct conquer yourself because you and I are all one and not one seperate being.

How does Watts define the "new experience"? A new feeling of what it is to be "I" (p. 11)

What does Watts see as the purpose of myths?A way to understand life.

How does Watts think someone finds his/her true identity?Draw a connection between this reading and 1984 and/or the song, "2+2 = 5." Cite specific passages to support your claim. In 1984 he is part of a bigger being weather he wants to belive it or not. Soime may say the party or the world or anything outside of london, but the fact of the matter is, he is a small part of it. What he does, doesn't matter at all because he doesn't move the people the people move him. Watts says that what we do is just a ripple in the universe that we can't see and that we don't matter, and it is the same thing in 1984. No matter what one person does, it will not change the fact that big brother rules everything and will have his way with your country.