Alan Watts: 'Unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax.'

Unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax.

The quote by Alan Watts, 'Unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax,' is a profound and thought-provoking statement that emphasizes the importance of being fully present in our lives. In a straightforward manner, this quote suggests that if we are unable to embrace and appreciate the present moment, our focus on the future becomes illusory. It implies that our ability to truly experience life and make meaningful decisions hinges on our ability to be present and mindful.Living fully in the present means being immersed in the current moment, without dwelling on past regrets or anxieties about the future. It requires us to engage our senses, notice the world around us, and be fully present in our thoughts and actions. By doing so, we can cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and fully appreciate the richness of our experiences.When we are constantly preoccupied with thoughts about what lies ahead, we risk missing out on the beauty and opportunities that exist in the present moment. The future becomes a deceptive concept because we often have a tendency to project our wants, desires, and expectations onto it. We may convince ourselves that achieving certain goals or acquiring certain possessions will bring us happiness and fulfillment, only to find that when we eventually reach those milestones, they fail to deliver the expected satisfaction.However, there is a philosophical concept that can shed light on this quote from an unexpected angle, namely the Buddhist concept of impermanence. According to Buddhist teachings, all things in life are impermanent and constantly changing. We are reminded that the future is uncertain and can never be fully controlled or predicted. Embracing this concept can be liberating because it encourages us to let go of our attachment to future outcomes and instead focus on the present moment.By accepting the impermanence of everything in life, we can cultivate a sense of freedom and be more open to the possibilities and opportunities that each moment presents. This concept enables us to make decisions and take actions with a greater sense of clarity and authenticity. Instead of fixating on a future that may never come to pass, we can direct our energy towards fully experiencing the present moment.Contrasting the two ideas presented - living fully in the present and embracing impermanence - we can see that they complement each other. Living fully in the present allows us to appreciate the fleeting nature of each moment, while embracing impermanence helps us detach from future expectations and live more authentically.In conclusion, Alan Watts' quote serves as a reminder of the vital role of being present in our lives. By immersing ourselves fully in the present moment, we can avoid being ensnared by the future's illusory promises. Moreover, by incorporating the concept of impermanence, we can embrace the uncertainty of the future and live with a greater sense of freedom and authenticity. Only when we learn to fully inhabit and cherish the present can we truly navigate the complexities of life and find fulfillment in each passing moment. Let us remember the eloquent words of Watts and strive to live our lives to the fullest, right here, right now.