ART OF PROBLEM SOLVING: Only in a state of humility that the mind can learn

It seems to me that the many problems which we have in this country are increasing and becoming more and more complex. When we try to solve a particular problem, other problems spring into being, so there arises a wide network of problems endlessly multiplying itself, and there seems to be no way out of it. I think anyone who is at all thoughtful is aware of this dilemma.

Now, if you and I as individual human beings are to understand this complex process of existence, I think it is essential that we approach it in all humility. It is only when the mind is actually in a state of humility that it can learn. We cannot approach our problems with old ideas, with stereotyped answers, with a particular ideology of pattern of thought. We have to approach these problems anew - and there lies our difficulty.

 As we are now, most of us are incapable of learning from the problem, because we approach the problem with a mind that has already learnt. I think there is a vast difference between the mind that is open to the problem, and a mind that approaches the problem with an ideology. A mind that approaches the problem with an ideology, a preconceived answer, is incapable of learning from the problem.

We have to learn from the problem, because the problem is a challenge, and a challenge is always new. But unfortunately, most of us approach any problem with conclusions, with a mind already made up, with a mind that is conditioned - which means that we are incapable of learning. So it is essential, that each one of us individually should be open to the problem. I think this is the central issue and that we should see it very clearly.

Greatest thoughts from The collected works of J. Krishnamurti Volume 10