Education as Service

"Education as Service" by J. Krishnamurti is a philosophical treatise on the nature of education, written in the early 20th century. This publication explores the transformative role of education in personal and societal development, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding in the teacher-student relationship. The book advocates for a reimagined educational system that prioritizes the emotional and spiritual needs of children, in contrast to rigid, conventional structures that stifle individual growth. In this work, Krishnamurti argues that true education should foster a sense of service and responsibility among both teachers and students. He suggests that love should underlie the teacher's approach, creating a nurturing environment that encourages students to learn joyfully and freely. The text elaborates on various qualities essential for teachers, such as love, discrimination, and desirelessness, which he believes will cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and growth. By prioritizing individual needs and character development, schools can become centers of joy and community rather than mere institutions of knowledge, thereby shaping compassionate and committed citizens. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, mystic, speaker, writer, and spiritual figure. Adopted by members of the Theosophical tradition as a child, he was raised to fill the advanced role of World Teacher, but in adulthood he rejected this mantle and distanced himself from the related religious movement. He spent the rest of his life speaking to groups and individuals around the world; many of these talks have been published. He also wrote many books, among them The First and Last Freedom (1954) and Commentaries on Living (1956–60). His last public talk was in January 1986, a month before his death at his home in Ojai, California.