Category: Famous Person

Who is Alan Watts? Alan Watts is a British philosopher whom I know became famous through his ideas of how the world is/works. He is known for publicizing his ideas and opinions that most don’t agree with, including me. But he makes really great points in a lot of his work, and I would like to share that. He wrote a poem that I happen to find conveys a lot of what he says pretty blatantly, Birdle Burble that he wrote for his friend James Broughton.

In summary, his poem means to say to live and go on with life. But at the same time, it’s not meant to make much sense. And an example of that would be this couplet in his poem. “The stars in their courses have no destination; The train of events will arrive at no station;”(Alan Watts). It really just means to say that it doesn’t matter whether one is grammatically correct or not. One should just keep on living and writing regardless of any errors. As I read it, I felt as though he had made a poem version of a good bit of his philosophy on life. Written in many of his books about Zen, he touches on topics such as focusing on being happy on your terms and believing in yourself. I couldn’t agree more and that lead me to research more about him.

Due to that, I was able to stumble across a famous quote of his, “To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.” (Alan Watts). This really had me thinking for a long time because I experienced almost drowning in a pool when I was younger. I was around 12 years old when it happened and it was very scary for me. I remember trying to get a hold of the edge of the pool because I kept feeling like I was sinking and kept trying to jump out. Now that I’m older though, I don’t find it as scary but even to this day I am not able to float on my own in the water.

Having gone through that experience and reading that poem which connected me to his other works I came to realize that I really just had no faith in myself to float. I didn’t try and practice or jump anymore to try again. To me, it was logical to not put myself in that kind of situation again when my logic really should have been to try again. His words had me reflecting on how my attitude towards swimming or trying to float again was for a long time. I was very apprehensive and only was able to picture the worst because I thought that was all I was capable of. Since I’ve found his work I began to try again and go through the process of trial and error instead of just giving up. But at the same time, just as in the poem, try not to get too hung up on it and continue on living.

The main point that should be taken away from his poem is to live happily. Just like he has said plenty of times before in his other works as well, it’s not perfection you should strive for but happiness. It’s easy to fall into the habit of correcting yourself and seeing all your mistakes in front of you. But we live in a world with limited time, so why waste it being precise when you can just let it be, and be happy? Alan Watts has helped me perceive these ideas or everyday obstacles in a new light and hopefully, it has helped others too.

Works Cited

1. Watts, Alan. “A Quote by Alan W. Watts.” Goodreads, Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/quotes/172065-to-have-faith-is-to-trust-yourself-to-the-water.
2. Watts, Alan. “Clear Writing with Mr. Clarity.” Clear Writing with Mr. Clarity, Joe Roy, 30 June 2011, 4:44 AM, clear-writing-with-mr-clarity.blogspot.com/2011/06/.

Margaret Floy Washburn was a pioneering psychologist whose work significantly contributed to the field of psychology in the early 20th century. Through her research, theories, and academic accomplishments, Washburn made significant strides in advancing the understanding of human behavior and consciousness. This essay will analyze Washburn’s contributions to psychology, focusing on her influential work in comparative psychology and her groundbreaking book, “The Animal Mind.”

Washburn is best known for her work in comparative psychology, specifically her research on animal behavior and cognition. She was one of the first psychologists to systematically study animal behavior and draw comparisons between animal and human psychology. Her studies helped shape the field of comparative psychology and shed light on the evolution of behavior and mental processes.

One of Washburn’s notable contributions was her theory of “mentalistic behaviorism.” Unlike traditional behaviorism, which focused solely on observable behavior, Washburn emphasized the importance of studying internal mental processes in understanding behavior. Her theory recognized that cognitive processes, such as perception, memory, and learning, play a significant role in shaping behavior. This perspective expanded the scope of behaviorism and paved the way for future research on cognitive psychology.

Washburn’s most influential work was her book, “The Animal Mind,” published in 1908. In this groundbreaking work, she synthesized her research findings and theories on animal behavior and cognition. The book presented a comprehensive examination of various animal species and their mental capacities, challenging the prevailing notion that only humans possess conscious experiences. Washburn argued that animals, too, possess complex mental processes and demonstrated their intelligence through adaptive behaviors.

“The Animal Mind” was a significant departure from the prevailing behaviorist views of the time and sparked considerable interest and debate within the field of psychology. Washburn’s meticulous research and insightful analysis provided a foundation for future studies in comparative psychology and paved the way for the recognition of animals as subjects of psychological inquiry.

Washburn’s contributions to psychology extended beyond her research. She was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in psychology in the United States, earning her degree from Cornell University in 1894. Her academic achievements opened doors for women in psychology and inspired generations of female psychologists to pursue their scholarly interests.

Additionally, Washburn was an influential educator and advocate for the inclusion of women in psychology. She served as the president of the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1921, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Through her leadership and advocacy, she worked to create opportunities for women in academia and promote gender equality within the field.

In conclusion, Margaret Floy Washburn made significant analytical contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in comparative psychology. Her research on animal behavior and cognition expanded our understanding of the complexities of the mind and challenged traditional behaviorist perspectives. Washburn’s book, “The Animal Mind,” remains a seminal work in the field and continues to inspire researchers today. Furthermore, her groundbreaking achievements as a woman in psychology paved the way for gender equality and opened doors for future generations of female psychologists. Washburn’s legacy as a pioneering psychologist and advocate for inclusivity continues to resonate within the field of psychology.

Introduction:

Latin jazz is a vibrant and influential genre that combines the rhythmic elements of Afro-Cuban and Latin American music with the improvisational nature of jazz. Within the realm of Latin jazz, one name stands out as the epitome of talent, innovation, and mastery: Tito Puente. This essay will explore the life, career, and enduring legacy of Tito Puente, who is widely regarded as the King of Latin Jazz.

Body:

Early Life and Musical Journey:

Tito Puente was born on April 20, 1923, in New York City to Puerto Rican parents. His passion for music developed at a young age, and he quickly became proficient in playing various instruments, including the piano, saxophone, and vibraphone. Puente’s early exposure to the rich Latin music scene in New York City, along with his formal music education, laid the foundation for his future success.

Innovative Fusion of Musical Styles:

One of Tito Puente’s greatest contributions to Latin jazz was his ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres. Drawing inspiration from Afro-Cuban rhythms, mambo, salsa, and jazz, Puente created a unique and infectious sound that captivated audiences around the world. His compositions featured intricate percussion arrangements, harmonically rich melodies, and improvisational solos, showcasing his exceptional musical talent.

Prolific Career and Collaborations:

Tito Puente’s career spanned over six decades, during which he released more than 100 albums and composed hundreds of songs. He collaborated with numerous renowned musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, Celia Cruz, and Carlos Santana, among others. These collaborations not only elevated the profile of Latin jazz but also demonstrated Puente’s ability to bridge cultural boundaries and unite diverse musical traditions.

Live Performances and Global Influence:

Puente’s live performances were legendary, characterized by his energetic stage presence and his ability to engage and excite audiences. His music transcended cultural and language barriers, captivating listeners worldwide. Puente’s international tours and collaborations with musicians from different backgrounds contributed to the global popularity and recognition of Latin jazz as a genre.

Legacy and Impact:

Tito Puente’s impact on Latin jazz cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who expanded the boundaries of the genre, introducing Latin rhythms and melodies to the mainstream jazz audience. Puente’s influence extended beyond his musical contributions; he was a mentor to countless musicians and a cultural ambassador for Latin American music. His legacy continues through the ongoing popularity of his music, the Tito Puente Scholarship Fund, and the Tito Puente Educational Foundation.

Conclusion:

Tito Puente’s talent, innovation, and unmatched contributions have earned him the title of the King of Latin Jazz. Through his groundbreaking fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation, Puente created a unique and enduring musical legacy. His prolific career, collaborations, and global influence have made Latin jazz a respected and recognized genre worldwide. Tito Puente’s impact on the music industry, his dedication to education, and his ability to bring people together through the universal language of music have solidified his place as a true legend in the history of Latin jazz.