The fundamental factor of self-deception is this constant desire to be something in this world and in the world hereafter.
Interpretation
Self-deception arises from the longing to achieve a specific identity or status in life and beyond.
This quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti highlights the deep-rooted nature of self-deception in human existence, stemming from our incessant desire to be perceived a certain way in both this life and the afterlife. It suggests that when individuals focus excessively on external validation and the quest for meaning, they may lose touch with their true selves, leading to a conflict between their genuine identity and their perceived persona.
In practice
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about the nature of self and identity.
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.
See one promontory, one mountain, one sea, one river and see all.
People are usually more firmly convinced that their opinions are precious than that they are true.
What are kings, when regiment is gone, but perfect shadows in a sunshine day?
We must remember that in time of war what is said on the enemy's side of the front is always propaganda and what is said on our side of the front is truth and righteousness, the cause of humanity and a crusade for peace.
Lamentations comfort only by lacerating the heart still more. Such grief does not desire consolation. It feeds on the sense of its hopelessness. Lamentations spring only from the constant craving to re-open the wound.
When at eve, at the bounding of the landscape, the heavens appear to recline so slowly on the earth, imagination pictures beyond the horizon an asylum of hope, - a native land of love; and nature seems silently to repeat that man is immortal.
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