“To most people, thinking is but a reaction. . . Then it is no longer thinking, for then it is uncreative. Most people say that they think but are blindly following their reactions; they have certain standards, certain ideas, according to which they act.”
— J. Krishnamurti
Often, our lives are just imitations of others. We either follow the latest trends or adhere to status-quo because it doesn’t rock the ship. Or we memorize certain ideas, beliefs, and standards and live by them.
Sure, this makes us feel secure. But it also causes us to stagnate or make bad decisions – in our investments, careers, relationships, and life overall. “True thinking,” Krishnamurti said, “exists only when you discover the true significance of these standards, these preconceptions, these securities.”
Instead, think from first principles: question every assumption, keep digging until you reach the fundamentals, and build a solution from there.
While investing, build a portfolio according to your appetite for risk, not according to the salesman (because it fetches him a higher commission). While learning new skills, choose the ones that will grow your career rather than taking courses on trending topics. When it comes to a partner, wait until you find a person whose values sync with yours rather than rushing into a relationship just because you hate feeling lonely.
Sticking to what works for you – especially if others tell you otherwise – is a sign of originality. And it’s essential if we want to awaken sattva.