Today we present a rare archival conversation between Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy and philosopher Alan Watts, recorded in 1966.

Watts, who taught at Esalen from its founding in 1962 until his death in 1973, was among the foremost interpreters of Eastern philosophy for Western audiences. In this wide-ranging dialogue, Watts articulates his theory of human evolutionary development through analytical consciousness and examines our species' complex relationship with the natural world.

The recording provides a glimpse into the intellectual atmosphere of Esalen's formative years, when interdisciplinary boundaries were fluid and fundamental questions about human nature were approached with imaginative freedom.

Enjoy part one of the conversation ; part two shall follow in short time.