Things to Think About in Life
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Things to Think About in Life

Jiddu Krishnamurti

4.21139 learners

In this collection of profound, conversational insights, Jiddu Krishnamurti challenges readers to question the very fabric of modern life—starting with the purpose of education. He argues that traditional schooling, fixated on grades, careers, and societal conformity, misses life’s core: exploring the fullness of existence, from nature’s beauty to the quiet chaos of our inner fears, ambitions, and conflicts. Krishnamurti emphasizes that true education fosters wisdom, not just knowledge—wisdom rooted in fearless self-awareness, free from rigid formulas or societal pressures. He unpacks how ambition, dependency, and the desire to “become” trap us in cycles of anxiety and emptiness, while love, non-judgmental observation, and living in the present unlock genuine freedom. Through relatable questions and gentle yet incisive reflections, he guides readers to break free from societal chains, embrace their authentic selves, and discover the joy of a life lived in alignment with truth, not convention.

Self-AwarenessLoveAmbitionInner ConflictSelf-Knowledge
Zhuangzi
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Zhuangzi

Zhuang Zhou

4.41009 learners

Dive into the whimsical, profound world of Zhuangzi, a foundational text of Chinese Daoism packed with playful fables and radical wisdom that challenges rigid societal norms. Through tales like the giant Peng bird soaring 90,000 li, the butcher Paoding who masters the 'Way' of butchering without dulling his knife, and Zhuang Zhou’s dream of being a butterfly (or vice versa), Zhuangzi explores core ideas: the contrast between small-mindedness and great vision, the relativity of right and wrong, and the power of 'wu wei'—non-forced action aligned with nature’s flow. He argues that 'uselessness' can be a superpower, protecting one from harm and enabling authentic living. Zhuangzi also frames life and death as natural cycles, urging readers to let go of attachment to fame, wealth, and rigid morality to embrace 'xiaoyao'—unfettered freedom of the spirit. Whether critiquing hypocritical scholars or guiding readers through chaos, this text invites redefining success and finding peace in harmony with nature.

Dao (The Way)Xiaoyao (True Freedom)Wu Wei (Non-Action)RelativismNaturalness
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Authority & Freedom Interdependent

True freedom comes from legitimate authority; authentic authority needs free recognition. Without either, chaos or tyranny follows.

FreedomEducationAuthority
Golden Sentence

True Freedom

True freedom isn't escaping chains, but finding a home for your soul. (Pierre)

GrowthFreedomPierre
Insight

Necessity is Hidden Freedom

True freedom isn't ignoring necessity—it's understanding and accepting it (e.g., virtuous people act with duty, which is free).

EthicsNecessity & Freedom
Golden Sentence

Calm Mind Brings Coolness

Old Chinese wisdom says: 'If you keep a calm heart, you will feel cool even in hot summer.' True freedom does not rely on outer environment, but on inner peaceful state.

MindsetSpiritual FreedomChinese Wisdom
Insight

Freedom Needs Balanced Power

True freedom can not exist if either side is too strong. A weak state leads to anarchy and chaos, a totalitarian state crushes all individual rights. Only mutual checks between state and society can protect freedom.

FreedomPolitical Balance
Insight

True Freedom Defined

Echo defines real free life as spiritual civilization, which means you can live as you wish no matter how tough the material conditions are.

FreedomLifestyleWanderlust
Golden Sentence

True Freedom Lies In Conscience

You will never get real freedom as long as you are still running away from your own sin. The moment you face your fault and try to make up for it, you get the freedom that no one can take away.

FreedomLife TruthConscience
Golden Sentence

Liberation from Possession Line

True freedom is letting go of the obsession with 'owning.' You don’t need to define your worth by the things you have.

FreedomMindsetGolden Sentence
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