Self-help or Motivational books aren’t really my cup of tea. Add the word ‘Philosophy’ and you have my attention. Jiddu Krishnamurti is touted to be one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century. The blurb says that the book is about relationships and how they shape all the aspects of our lives. So this seemed like an opportunity to discover a new author, a new thinker! And so I digged in. This is short book – just over 100 pages. It reads fast, and so one can easily finish it in a few sittings.
Krishnamurti emphasises on the fundamental way in which we are related to each other. Society, he says, is a sum total of human relationships. Therefore, one must understand relationships, and this is to be done by closely and patiently observing our interactions with others. How we affect others and are affected by others? In what ways we respond to others’ actions and others respond to our actions? This is the key to understanding relationships, and the self. By relationship, he means relationship between the true self, and not merely the image or perception that we carry.
Krishnamurti urges us to let go of the image that we have constructed by following the patterns and codes of the society. He asks us to question and challenges the dictums of society. True transformation will begin at an individual level, and only when we stop conforming to the dictums of the society, when we stop following the received wisdom, and discover the truth on our own. This journey, he believes, will begin through a study of the self as found in our relationships with others.
There is no “right” relationship, there is only the understanding of relationship. Right relationship implies the mere acceptance of a formula, as does right thought. … Right thought is merely conforming to what is right, what is respectable, whereas right thinking is movement, it is the product of understanding, and understanding is constantly undergoing modification, change.
The ideas presented in the book are quite sensible and convincing. They may appear as rather vague to some, but this is so because Krishnamurti does not want us to accept any authority – even his own. And so he offers no clear-cut answers, but rather drops hints for our own path of self-discovery. My issue with the book was from an editorial point of view. It is primarily a compilation of Krishnamurti’s ideas on the topic from his earlier writings and talks. And thus, certain parts are very repetitive. Some sections seem to be having abrupt endings. I also did not like the structuration of the book into several small sections. All in all, it was a good experience. I can imagine myself picking up another book by Krishnamurti in future, or listening to some podcasts.
My Rating: *** (2.5/5)
What are your thoughts on this book? Do you enjoy reading self-help or motivational books? Do share your views. Thanks.
*I was sent a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Views expressed are entirely personal and unbiased.*
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