Find out what thought is | Krishnamurti

Thought can only interpret reality, and this interpretation itself becomes another form of mental image. These interpretations are subjective and often biased, creating a layer of illusion over the actual reality. This continual creation of mental images is a way for thought to seek security and predictability.

In practical contexts, like architecture or engineering, the creation of images and projections by thought is essential and useful. These images guide the creation of tangible structures, such as buildings or bridges. However, psychologically, the creation of static mental images leads to illusions of security and predictability, which are not based on the ever-changing nature of reality.

People tend to find security in the static images they create of others, such as their spouses or friends. These images, built over time through experiences and memories, provide a sense of stability and comfort. The actual living, dynamic person, however, does not offer the same security because they are constantly changing and unpredictable.

Real-life relationships often conflict with these static mental images. For instance, couples who have lived together for years may develop separate mental images of each other, based on their own experiences and perceptions. These static images do not evolve in tandem with the actual persons, leading to misunderstandings and emotional distance.

The concept of love is often idealized and turned into a static image. When reality does not match this idealized image, people feel disillusioned and may seek new relationships, hoping to find what they are looking for. However, the same process of creating static images continues, leading to similar disappointments.

Desire, when uncontrolled, leads to conflict and societal disintegration. All major religions and educational systems advocate for controlling desire to prevent chaos. This control is necessary because unchecked desire can result in competition, aggression, and conflict, which destabilize society.

Humanity’s efforts to control desire stem from a deeper need to avoid the chaos that uncontrolled desire brings. By controlling desire, individuals and societies aim to maintain order and stability, even if this means avoiding the true nature of their desires and the reality of their situations.

People often seek security in illusions rather than facing the dynamic and unpredictable reality. These illusions provide a false sense of comfort and stability, which is easier to accept than the complexities of real life. This avoidance of reality leads to ongoing conflicts and separations, especially in personal relationships, where the static images created by thought clash with the living, changing individuals.