I am amazed that Congressmen can pass a bill imposing severe penalties on anyone who burns the American flag, whereas they are responsible for burning that for which the flag stands: the United States as a territory, as a people, and as a biological manifestation. That is an example of our perennial confusion of symbols with realities.

More quotes by Alan Watts

The Two Hands of God : The Myths of Polarity (1963)

The Nature of Consciousness; also published as What Is Reality? (1989)

The Wisdom of Insecurity (1951)

The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are (1966)

The Wisdom of Insecurity (1951)

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