What Is It To Care?

J. Krishnamurthi was born in the town of Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh in 1895 and died in Ojai, California, in 1986 at the age of 91. When he was young, his family and friends noticed that he was a child of a very different kind, always close to nature, alive to life around him, thoughtful, generous, and compassionate. Later in life, after he learnt to think independently, he came upon original perceptions about life. He then travelled all over the world extensively, giving public talks to vast audiences on human problems and man’s search for truth or happiness. Everywhere he met people who came to him with their problems and helped them to understand their lives. Eminent scientists, philosophers, psychologists, educators and men of religion held dialogues with him from time to time on contemporary thought and ancient wisdom.

Krishnamurti was truly a world figure concerned about the whole of humanity and not about any one nation or sect. He wanted us to live like guests on the Earth, taking care of all life on it. He was a great lover of nature, and his descriptions show how keen was his observation of the beauty and wonder of the Earth. These are reflected in his writings which are a new contribution to modern literature.

Krishnamurthi founded schools to give children a new kind of education that is free of fear, comparison and competitions. His schools are in India, England and America. He visited them every year and held talks and discussions with teachers, students and parents on the importance of living and learning without pressure. He spoke to college and university students to help them to meet the challenges of career and life. His teachings have affected the lives of innumerable people all over the world and have brought into being a new vision of education.