It is only those who are in constant revolt that discover what is true, not the man who conforms, who follows some tradition. It is only when you are constantly inquiring, constantly observing, constantly learning, that you find truth, God, or love.
Interpretation
The pursuit of truth requires continual questioning and learning rather than blind conformity to tradition.
Jiddu Krishnamurti emphasizes that true understanding and discovery come from a mindset of constant inquiry and rebellion against passive acceptance of established norms. He suggests that personal growth and the discovery of deeper truths—whether they concern love, spirituality, or reality—are only possible through a commitment to observance and critical thinking rather than adherence to tradition.
In practice
During a motivational speech about embracing change and seeking personal truth.
The following of authority is the denial of intelligence. [It] may help us temporarily to cover up our difficulties and problems; but to avoid a problem is only to intensify it, and in the process, self-knowledge and freedom are abandoned.
In seeking comfort, we generally find a quiet corner in life where there is a minimum of conflict, and then we are afraid to step out of that seclusion.
If you listen through the screen of your desires, then you obviously listen to your own voice; you are listening to your own desires.
If you have this extraordinary thing going in your life, then it is everything; then you become the teacher, the disciple, the neighbour, the beauty of the cloud - you are all that, and that is love.
Meditation is one of the greatest arts in life - perhaps the greatest, and one cannot possibly learn it from anybody, that is the beauty of it.
All of us have been trained by education and environment to seek personal gain and security and to fight for ourselves. Though we cover it over with pleasant phrases, we have been educated for various professions within a system which is based on exploitation and acquisitive fear.
A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
My greatness does not extend to this shelf.
Money is a handmaiden, if thou knowest how to use it A mistress, if thou knowest not.
The Bible is a great source of wisdom and consolation and should be read frequently.
There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Writers know that. I have never met a writer who does not crave to be alone. We have to be alone to do what we do.
Body awareness not only anchors you in the present moment, it is a doorway out of the prison that is the ego. It also strengthens the immune system and the body’s ability to heal itself.
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