Jiddu Krishnamurti: 'If you listen through the screen of your desires, then you obviously listen to your own voice; you are listening to your own desires.'
If you listen through the screen of your desires, then you obviously listen to your own voice; you are listening to your own desires.
The quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti, "If you listen through the screen of your desires, then you obviously listen to your own voice; you are listening to your own desires," holds a profound meaning and sheds light on the importance of self-awareness and introspection. It implies that when we approach the act of listening with the lens of our desires, we become limited by our own subjective perspective. Our desires act as a filter, coloring our perception and distorting the messages we receive. Instead of truly listening to the world around us, we end up simply hearing what we want to hear.To delve deeper into the significance of this quote, we can introduce the philosophical concept of phenomenology. Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy that focuses on the study of direct experiences and conscious awareness. It encourages individuals to suspend their biases, expectations, and desires, in order to observe and understand things as they truly are.In phenomenology, the act of listening is seen as an intentional engagement with the outside world, where our biases and desires should ideally be set aside. When we listen through the screen of our desires, we are essentially imposing our subjective wants and needs onto the message being conveyed. This leads to a distorted understanding of the true meaning being communicated.Moreover, Krishnamurti's quote invites us to reflect upon the nature of desires themselves. Desires are deeply rooted within our individual selves, shaped by our personal experiences, conditioning, and aspirations. They often arise from a place of self-centeredness, where we seek gratification or fulfillment. While desires can be powerful motivators, they also have the potential to cloud our judgment and prevent us from engaging with the world in a genuine and open-minded manner.In contrast, approaching the act of listening without the influence of our desires allows for a more authentic and empathetic connection. By suspending our own wants and needs, we create space for understanding and empathizing with others. True listening requires a selfless attitude, where we prioritize the perspectives of others and strive to comprehend their experiences without projecting our own desires onto them.This concept extends beyond interpersonal interactions and applies to our relationship with the world as a whole. When we listen without the screen of our desires, we develop a capacity to appreciate the richness and diversity of the human experience. We open ourselves to new ideas, alternative viewpoints, and collective wisdom, which can enhance our own personal growth and broaden our understanding of the world around us.In conclusion, Jiddu Krishnamurti's quote holds a powerful message about the significance of self-awareness in the act of listening. By acknowledging the role our desires play in shaping our perception, we can strive for a more genuine and authentic engagement with the world. The introduction of the philosophical concept of phenomenology complements the quote, highlighting the importance of suspending our desires to truly understand and empathize with others. This practice of listening without the screen of desires allows us to enrich our own lives and foster deeper connections with those around us.