Part 8/12:
The Western mindset has long idolized effort, success, and control, creating an environment of chronic anxiety where being busy is often equated with merit. From childhood, we are programmed to believe we must fight for everything—leading to lives governed by stress and disconnection from our true selves.
Watts argued that our civilization promotes an unhealthy obsession with production and accomplishment, viewing stillness and pause with suspicion. It is in this frantic chase for control over life that many find themselves lost, feeling a sense of emptiness despite their accomplishments. The missing piece is our disconnection from the natural flow of life—the Tao itself.