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In this constant battle which we call living, we try to set a code of conduct according to the society in which we are brought up, whether it be a Communist society or a so-called free society; we accept a standard of behaviour as part of our tradition as Hindus or Muslims or Christians or whatever we happen to be. We look to someone to tell us what is right or wrong behaviour, what is right or wrong thought, and in following this pattern our conduct and our thinking become mechanical, our responses automatic. We can observe this very easily in ourselves.

Jiddu Krishnamurti#14

SocietyBehaviorConsciousnessTradition

About this quote

What does it mean?
People often adopt a code of conduct from society or tradition, making their thinking and responses mechanical rather than free.
In plain terms
Accepting society standards makes our behavior and thinking automatic and mechanical.
What can you take from it?
Avoid letting society make your behavior automatic.

Where it applies

  • social integration
  • personal development
  • education

Putting it to work

  • mindfulness practice
  • questioning norms
  • ethical reflection

Questions to consider

  • Is your behavior your own?
  • Are your responses mechanical?

Another view

It does not address why we often need social guidelines.

More from Jiddu Krishnamurti

  1. Man has throughout the ages been seeking something beyond himself, beyond material welfare-something we call truth or God or reality, a timeless state-somethin…

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  2. For centuries we have been spoon-fed by our teachers, by our authorities, by our books, our saints. We say, 'Tell me all about it-what lies beyond the hills an…

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Thought is matter as much as the floor, the wall, the telephone, are matter. Energy functioning in a pattern becomes matter. That is all life is....Matter and …

    Permalink to quote #12

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