I wrote this piece 13 years ago and am posting it again today in honor of Alan Watts’ birthday. (January 6, 1915 – November 16, 1973)

I remember reading once that some guru or monk or hustler of the ancient past set forth a plan for living the perfect life. He said the first third of one’s life should be for learning and studying; the second third should be for establishing one’s life with career, marriage, and family; and the final third should be dedicated to s...