10 Krishnamurti quotes on the meaning of life

The Indian philosopher had a lot to say.

Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti arrived in Sydney, 14 November 1970. Image source: Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
  • The Indian philosopher taught that concepts get in the way of observation, and only by ridding yourself of concepts can you experience freedom.
  • Reared to be a Theosophist leader, Krishnamurti rejected that system (along with all others) in formulating his outlook.
  • His books touch upon topics such as education reform, physics, and meditation.
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Personal Growth

6 thoughtful and inspiring books for children

Books that will sharpen the youthful mind.

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  • Allegories like Orwell's Animal Farm take complex ideas and turn them into an approachable tale.
  • Aesop's Fables ancient insight is still relevant for any human growing up today.
  • The Little Prince teaches children to view the world through a more wondrous lens of reality.
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Personal Growth

The return of the 'stoned ape' theory

A long-ridiculed theory about humankind's early leap of consciousness is revived.

Photo credit: Elena Schweitzer / procy / Shutterstock / Big Think
  • Terence McKenna first proposed psychedelic mushrooms as the trigger for our rapid cognitive evolution.
  • McKenna's theory was called the "Stoned Ape Hypothesis."
  • The hypothesis is being revisited as a possible answer to a vexxing evolutionary riddle.
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Mind & Brain

Big Think is evolving. Learn habits of mind from the world’s greatest thinkers.

At Big Think, we capture the thoughts of the world's most brilliant thinkers.

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  • At Big Think, significance, relevance, and actionability are our editorial guide stars. They are the principles that we consider in every case when we say, "Is this worth our time? Is this worth our attention or is it not?"
  • Big Think Edge is the next step. We've created the single most valuable library of mentorship-rich, insight-driven applied learning that has ever been created.
  • Big Think Edge is an online learning platform that lets you stream short, actionable videos lessons taught by the world's top thinkers. Want to become smarter, faster? Join now, or learn more.
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Videos

5 life skills we need to teach in school

Education shouldn't just be about preparing us for the workforce. It should prepare us for life.

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  • A stunning number of adults seem to be coasting by without knowledge of what many would consider extremely basic life skills.
  • From financial literacy to learning how to communicate, the U.S. education system could stand to incorporate courses on the basic skills we need to navigate daily life.
  • This list describes 5 life skills, why we need them in our schools, and the consequences of their absence.
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Personal Growth