Disclaimer: I provide a lot of explanation of my tone because I've noticed that my language can easily being misinterpreted when not spoken.

But again, going back to the modern life

You don't think Buddhist principles are so grounded in truth that they'd be applicable whenever? (not a sarcastic/rhetorical question) If the concepts are only applicable in certain situations, why believe them at all? What appeals to many people (myself included) is the applicability of Buddhist principles. Do you think then that Buddha was incorrect when he permitted marriage? (again, honest question)

I'm no physicist by any means, but I did I bit of research recently into the correlation. It's interesting that the smallest particles we know of are quarks. The interesting thing about them is that they arrange themselves in a pattern, much like the elements, which implies there are even smaller components. It'll be interesting to see if one day we find out that there is no fundamental particle, but rather a fundamental state of being.

I am not special

Why not view it from the opposite perspective? (no condescension intended) Why not view playing guitar, the name Ryan, being married, etc. as all being equally special? Or not not special? I haven't thought much about it but I'd like to think that that'd cultivate a more positive outlook.

Alan Watts was the man.

Have you even considered you might be a Zen master? It seems to be that you have a firm grasp on the concepts? Wouldn't following it strictly be a criteria of being a Zen master? Do you think you live your life in accordance to these principles, or are these just theories to think about?

I looked it up and there are a few in the Chicago area. Maybe when my schedule opens up a bit I'll head into town to check them out.