Episode 9

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Published on:

5th Mar 2022

The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

In this episode of The Reading Cure, Steven and Alex explore one of Alan Watts' key works, namely The Wisdom of Insecurity. This book is a wise reminder of the mental health costs of trying to achieve lasting security in a world defined by change and lack of permanence. Indeed, Watts views this clinging to the myth of permanence as a seeking of security that, in a seemingly paradoxical fashion, only makes us more insecure and more anxious. Topics they explore include: What does Watts mean by insecurity and why does he see it as desirable compared with seeking security?; What did he mean by an 'age of anxiety' and in what ways does it manifest itself nowadays?; How therapeutic (i.e. mental health enhancing) are his ideas on tackling insecurity?; Why does he advocate being present in the moment as the antidote to anxiety and a vain seeking after some form of lasting security?

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About the Podcast

The Reading Cure
Books that change lives.
In this bibliotherapy podcast, Dr Steven Davies and Dr Alexander Fox discuss the life-changing insights that great books have to offer. Each episode offers an in depth, mental health-focused analysis of a chosen book, and through their conversation, Alex and Steven try to get to the root of how we can best use that author's wisdom to avoid common pitfalls and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
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About your hosts

Steven Davies

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Dr Steven Davies is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure podcast. He is currently studying for an MSc in Counselling. Steven has a degree in Economics and a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews; as well as a BA in Literature from the Open University. He has 15-years experience working in secondary education.

Alexander Fox

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Dr. Alexander Fox is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure Podcast. He has an MA (Hons) in philosophy, an MSc in Counselling and a PhD in English Literature (on the works of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter) . He has a private counselling practice in Dundee, Scotland (https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/alexander-fox), and he sees clients online through a Harley St. clinic in London (http://www.westlakeclinic.co.uk/dralexfox.html). He also supervises counsellors/ therapists.