Listening is a profound art, one that we have neglected to cultivate

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Listening is a profound art, one that we have neglected to cultivate. To truly listen to another person is also to listen to yourself—to your own problems, uncertainties, miseries, and the gradual mechanical degradation of the mind. In this conversation, we are exploring what it means to be human, which means you. Psychologically, you are the world, and the world is you. 

People may have different appearances, live in different climates, and have different circumstances, but fundamentally, every human being experiences the same turmoil and noise of life, often without recognizing its beauty. So, you and I, and everyone else, are the world because we share these experiences. This is a fact, not a theory. Therefore, you are the world, and the world is you. 

I hope you are truly listening to this. We have lost the art of listening. To fully understand that the world is you and you are the world might sound strange, illogical, or unreal. Often, we only partially listen, wishing to move on to other topics, never fully engaging with the truth of anything. If I may ask, please listen not only to me but also to yourself—your mind, heart, and responses. Listen to everything around you, from the birds to the passing car, so that we become sensitive, alive, and active. With this kind of listening, we can proceed.

Humanity has evolved over millions of years, according to scientists. Our brain, the result of this evolution, is now deeply conditioned by fear, anxiety, national pride, linguistic limitations, and so on. The question then becomes: to bring about a different society in the world, you, as a representative of humankind, must radically change. This is the fundamental issue—not just how to prevent wars or achieve peace, which are secondary concerns. The real issue is whether the human mind—your mind, your heart—can be totally, fundamentally, deeply transformed. Without this change, we risk destroying each other through our divisions and conditioned thinking.

So, I hope I have made the point very clear. That is, is it possible for you, as a human being who is the rest of humanity psychologically and inwardly, to change your condition?

J. Krishnamurti
Public Talk 1 Colombo, Sri Lanka
November 8, 1980

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