Freedom from the Known
by Jiddu Krishnamurti · first published 1959
78% recommend22% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Short, accessible, practical entry point to Krishnamurti, a cleaned-up version of his talks. Offers a new perspective and a framework for restlessness, ambition and insecurity; suits newcomers to his thinking.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
A masterpiece from Jiddu Krishnamurti on freedom. The author says about the chains in which the present man live, about his fears of the known and fear of the unknown. He employs a witty sarcasm at the way in which people are ready to accept the ideological tyranny of religious institutions when they are not ready to accept any kind of political dictatorship. Freedom from all the shackles that draw us backward from being a universal citizen - that is the core topic discussed in this book.
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Awesome to see Krishnamurti on HN. If anyone is interested, his book _Freedom from the Known_ is highly recommended: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Known-Jiddu-Krishnamurti/dp/0....
on “On Loneliness” ↗It seems his teachings are based on the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti. There are some good audio books by him on Youtube, like Freedom from the Known. On a slightly related note, Jonathan Blow also has a talk called Techniques for dealing with lack of motivation, malaise, depression (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7kh8pNRWOo), where he also talks…
on “A guide to difficult conversations” ↗"Freedom from the Known" by J. Krishnamurti. "I Am That" by Nisargadatta Maharaj.
on “Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read?” ↗I Am That, by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Freedom from the Known, by Jiddu Krishnamurti Think on These Things, by Jiddu Krishnamurti The Bhagavad Gita The Grand Design, by Stephen Hawking
on “Ask HN: Book Recommendations?” ↗Freedom from the known by J Krishnamurti (Audio book link: https://youtu.be/XY4dCXPJAaU?list=PLEbxOVEQgBpO2xdKzlMlMXgMv...)
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect?” ↗The Selfish Gene - Dawkins Freedom from the Known - Jiddu For decades I've been plagued by 'what is one supposed to do in life' question, I've been restless for years. These two books gave me atleast a logical framework to understand my frustrations.
on “Ask HN: What are your favorite non-fiction books of all time?” ↗Catching up now. Would highly recommend listening to some of his talks, or reading some of his books. Freedom from the Known is very accessible; it's basically a "cleaned up" version of his talks. I'm currently reading Krishnamurti's Notebook, which is absolutely beautiful. But perhaps difficult to understand if you're not…
on “A guide to difficult conversations” ↗Ambition and insecurity are two sides of the same coin, imo. These books helped me alot personally: "Freedom from the known" - Jiddu Krishnamurti and "Power of Now" - Eckhart Tolle I think it's healthy to pursue goals and improve your life situation. But don't let it become your identity or expect lasting peace from it.
on “Ask HN: How to Overcome Status Addiction” ↗…Dale Carnegie. It really helps me to see my own issues and shortcomings. Then I read "The Doors of Perception" by Aldous Huxley which really push me towards psyche exploitation. And last big one was: "Freedom From the Known" by Jiddu Krishnamurti and it was a buddhist mind-bomb.
on “Ask HN: Life Changing Books?” ↗I am that by Nisargadatta Maharaj or Freedom from the known by J.Krishnamurti. You may disagree with what they are saying, but these books will give you a new perspective.
on “Ask HN: Books for Reevaluation of Life” ↗Freedom from the Known by Jiddu Krishnamurti, but you won't apply it.
on “Ask HN: What book will significantly improve your life if you apply it?” ↗Freedom from the Known
on “Ask HN: Life Changing Books?” ↗…understand. His approach was VIA NEGATIVA i.e. he will never tell HOW to do it rather what NOT to do ! When we ask HOW, it strengthens the mind and he does not want that to happen. Reading his books "Freedom from the known" and "Think on these things" might help you to get closer to him.
on “Jiddu Krishnamurti – How to Live in This World” ↗To Be Human: long and comprehensive (not actually written by him, but a collection of his works). Flight of the Eagle: short and comprehensive. Freedom from the Known: short and practical.
on “Ask HN: How do you deal with professional jealousy and getting older?” ↗Freedom From The Known is much more actual.)
on “On Loneliness” ↗