Alan Watts
Project
Audio lecture series
Over a dozen unique audio series from Alan’s historic lectures were recorded across the US from New York City to the Esalen Institute on the Big Sur Coast - through the 1960’s and early 70’s.
International Tours
Alan Watts also recorded as he travelled internationally, visiting Japan in 1963 and 1965, and Europe in 1968 and 1973.
Original Recordings
Curated By Mark Watts
The Alan Watts Org began as the Electronic University, an organization begun by Alan Watts and his son, Mark, in 1973. Alan envisioned the project as a way to preserve his work.
Today the Alan Watts Org continues to make Alan's work accessible digitally as well as through traditional media.
Mark recorded hundreds of the talks in the Alan Watts audio archives starting in 1968, and over the years has curated and produced the talks for public radio, our lecture series, and dozens of collaborative projects.
Mark oversees audio restoration, remastering, editorial curation, and licensing & outreach efforts. He also hosts the Alan Watts Being in the Way podcast.
Contemporary Ideas from Past Contemplations
Preserving the Legacy of Alan Watts
Alan Watts’ timeless insights continue to inspire millions worldwide, but how do we ensure future generations can access them in their original richness. We aim to catalog and preserve thousands of hours of lectures, seminars, and discussions from Watts and his peers—including Aldous Huxley and David Bohm.
This scalable platform will preserve not just the words, but the essence of their teachings, creating a bridge between their wisdom and today’s seekers.
Harnessing AI for Authentic Knowledge Retrieval
(AI) Technology is reshaping how we access information and engage with wisdom teachings. However digital media often sacrifices nuance for speed. Our goal is different: to create an audio platform that respects the depth and context of human thought.
By indexing 250 lectures, 100 seminars, and discussions from Watts and his contemporaries - designed to faithfully preserve the thematic depth and authenticity of their ideas.
"A person that thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts, and so loses touch with reality."
- Alan Watts
HELP US Build the Future of WISDOM ACCESS
Your Support Makes the Difference
This is a mission to ensure the teachings of Alan Watts and his contemporaries remain accessible and impactful for generations to come. Every contribution helps us build a platform that respects and amplifies the wisdom of the past.
From Approximate Queries to Expansive Direct Results
An Informed Discovery Platform
Unlike traditional search engines, our custom database will deliver precise results while preserving original context. Whether you’re looking for a specific quote or exploring Watts’ views on Zen, you’ll experience a seamless blend of technology and timeless wisdom.
Key Features:
Accurate retrieval of nuanced insights.
Search results enriched with original phrasing and meaning.
Integration with educational platforms for courses and deeper learning.
A Scalable Solution for Preserving Legacies
Our approach extends beyond Watts. By archiving 4,000 hours of workshops from thought leaders like Margaret Mead, Abraham Maslow, and Gregory Bateson, this project sets the foundation for a broader movement to protect and disseminate intellectual legacies.
Why Now?
As technology accelerates, we risk losing touch with the contemplative richness of human insight. With your help, we can create a system that preserves these ideas while inspiring future thinkers to explore themes of interconnectedness, identity, and self-awareness.
