You Are the World

If you're unfamiliar with these writings, this is a very good starting point. There's repetition here because the book is a collection of talks given by the author. There's a series of three lectures given at Brandeis; four at Berkeley; four at Stanford, and one at Santa Cruz. These are all aimed at college students.Certain themes recur in each series, but these themes are reworded, given fresh perspective each times. The central theme is one's relation to the entire world emphasizing that each person does have an impact upon the whole, and we are a part of the good and a part of the bad in the world. Another recurrant theme is the relationship between the observor and the observed, the goal being to reduce the space between the two until they are the same. Dreams are mentioned, as is meditation. In each instance, Krishnamurti emphasizes that we must learn these things for ourselves. Books, churches, different spiritual paths, each, according to the writer, is divisive. There is much here to think about and absorb.

I read this book more than 26 years ago as a young man of 21. The book changed my perception of my place in the world and how I as an individual could effect change. I will never forget the title of the book or its' contents... the subject matter is too important. I am deeply grateful to its author.

Before I read this book I was an obsessive compusive, manic depressive. I was addicted to Cocain and lost my wife and kids due to my addiction. I was sitting in my room in rehab and was given this book by the Book Man. I read it and found out that we can not change the world, we can only change ourselves. If we each do that we can change the world, one person at a time. It gave me light in a tunnel of darkness. I awoke from a nightmare and saw the way to virtue. I gave up everything and now am working in a shelter for people who can not afford rehab. It has changed me and can change you too!