During a discussion of how only power matters between states, not laws (whether international or not, whether long-established or not), I was reminded of Alan Watts' saying "There really is no other problem for human beings than ... [death]" [1] and how that encompasses ALL of the various struggles humanity has been through whether it's against slavery or for the eight hour day or whatever you look at. The threat is always, ultimately, "comply or we will kill you" whether from a state, a corporation, an individual, doesn't matter. And so it is between states themselves as well to a degree. Sadly.

[1] See for example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioFG999aOCs&t=125s but if you have the time, just watch the whole thing. 🤷

(Proudly self-plagiarized from a January 2026 post from my previous account.)

#AlanWatts #Philosophy #AlanMayBeWrongForYou