Few people did more to popularize Eastern philosophy in the West than the British writer, speaker, and philosopher Alan Watts. From the late 1930s through to the 1970s, Watts wrote more than 20 books and published numerous articles that helped interpret and popularize Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu philosophiesy among a wider Western audience. He became particularly popular in the 1960s, especially among members of the emerging hippie counter culture. In 1957, Watts published his book “The Way of Zen,” from which this quote comes. “It is hard to see how the world can be improved by keeping still,” he wrote. “Yet it should be obvious that action without wisdom, without clear awareness of the world as it really is, can never improve anything.” As Watts points out, sometimes the best way to deal with a go-go-go world is simply to take a break and think deeply rather than acting rashly.

Confusion can undoubtedly be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. In fact, in his 2007 essay collection “The Braindead Megaphone,” author George Saunders frames confusion as a positive state of being, one that opens up new possibilities and opportunities. It’s a classic Saunders perspective: insightful and empathetic, thoughtful and energizing, even when it’s exacting. Being confused prompts us to question, analyze, and ultimately find or create solutions. It keeps us engaged, pushing us to be creative and think outside the box. It can also expand our capacity to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty, cultivating critical thinking skills and resilience. The reward is, if not clarity, then at least some progress in our lifelong learning journey. 

Throughout her life, accomplished singer, poet, painter, and National Book Award-winning author Patti Smith has effortlessly and successfully leapt from one creative discipline to another. In the introduction of her 1994 poetry collection “Early Work,” Smith offers these words of wisdom to the reader, highlighting the dual approaches she’s taken in various aspects of her own life. She urges us to be fearless and unrestrained when it comes to our creative endeavors, allowing our imagination to guide us without constraints or inhibitions. On the other hand, she reminds us that forging a successful creative life requires us to stay grounded and maintain our equilibrium elsewhere, by adopting a more measured and practical attitude in our day-to-day lives.