Children Quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti
““You also want to know if there is something more than mere physical existence, do you not? This ceaseless round of going to an office, working at something in which you have no vital interest, quarrelling, being envious, bearing children, gossiping with your neighbour, uttering useless words—you want to know if there is something more than all this. The very word “soul” embodies the idea of a state which is indestructible, timeless, does it not? But, you see, you never find out for yourself whether or not there is such a state. You don’t say, “I am not concerned with what Christ, Shankara, or anybody else has said, nor with the dictates of tradition, of so-called civilization; I am going to find out for myself whether or not there is a state beyond the framework of time.” You don’t revolt against what civilization or the collective will has formulated; on the contrary, you accept it and say, “Yes, there is a soul.” You call that formulation one thing, another calls it something else, and then you divide yourselves and become enemies over your conflicting beliefs.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Dialogue on the Soul, 1970s (recorded interview)
The passage questions whether life’s routine and social conflicts hide a deeper, timeless essence called the soul, and critiques blind acceptance of tradition without personal inquiry.
In simple terms: It asks if there is a deeper, unchanging self beyond daily life and urges personal investigation.
Seek personal insight beyond societal norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily work
- family life
- social debate
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “soul” mean to you personally?
- How can you test the existence of a timeless self?
Without critical self‑examination, one may remain trapped in unexamined beliefs.