Thank you Philip, for sharing how bracingly Watt’s idea hit you (like that proverbial bucket of cold water). I’m in my 60s, and have wandered around philosophically most of my life - from Christianity to Buddhism, Existentialism, etc. etc. to me, there is a basic division in philosophical schools of thought: some see life as a problem to be solved (get to heaven/nirvana/The Good. Others see it as an experience to be celebrated… not that it is without perils, but basically, there’s no problem to solve. Watt’s heavily Hindu-influenced body of work falls in the latter camp. But he too brings a lot of metaphysics to his problem-free world view. I have no problem with that.

I will say that some people who take on a problem do it conscious that it is there choice. That’s a nice way to create a purposeful life without insisting the world be bent to one’s narcissistic need for purpose. One of my favorite thinkers speaks about his “Life question” and everything he does is to help him unravel it. Similarly, many practical thinkers devote themselves to a life of service that is purposeful and yet couched within an understanding of the emptiness and impermanence of existence. I am on the board of an amazing Tibetan Buddhist organization that takes this enlightened approach to activism - they work to help Tibetans in Tibet find agency and sustain their communities desperate the horrendous reality of Chinese occupation. (Machik.org). I don’t know anyone with as profound a sense of mission and tireless devotion for the sake of others as the folks at Machik.

So, while l agree life is not a problem to be solved, there are opportunities to pick up a hoe and dig, pick up a trowel and build, or simply lend a hand to someone in need.