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Afraid of death Quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti

“Do you know what intelligence is? It is the capacity, surely, to think freely, without fear, without a formula, so that you begin to discover for yourself what is real, what is true; but if you are frightened you will never be intelligent. Most of us, as we grow older, become frightened; we are…” quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti
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““Do you know what intelligence is? It is the capacity, surely, to think freely, without fear, without a formula, so that you begin to discover for yourself what is real, what is true; but if you are frightened you will never be intelligent. Most of us, as we grow older, become frightened; we are afraid of living, afraid of losing a job, afraid of tradition, afraid of what the neighbours, or what the wife or husband would say, afraid of death. Most of us have fear in one form or another; and where there is fear there is no intelligence.””

Jiddu Krishnamurti

About This Quote

Source Lecture: The Nature of Intelligence, 1960s

Intelligence requires freedom from fear and formulaic thinking; fear blocks true understanding and insight.

In simple terms: Freedom from fear enables true thinking.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate courage to think independently.

Themes

freedom intelligence fear truth

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • education
  • creative work
  • decision making

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fears prevent you from questioning assumptions?
  • How can you create safe spaces for fearless inquiry?
A Different Perspective

Fear can also protect from reckless risks, limiting bold experimentation.

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