Krishnamurti on Psychiatry and Maslow
Jiddu Krishnamurti had a critical and unconventional view of psychiatry, especially as it existed in his time. While he did not completely reject the existence of psychological suffering or the need for help, he believed that true understanding and transformation lie beyond the realm of traditional psychiatric methods. Here's a summary of what he might say about psychiatry: 1. Psychiatry treats symptoms, not the root: Krishnamurti often emphasized that psychological issues stem from deep confusion, fear, and conditioning. He would say that psychiatry often focuses on labeling and managing symptoms (through diagnosis and medication) rather than helping individuals understand the nature of thought, fear, and the self. 2. Freedom vs. conditioning: He might argue that psychiatry often reinforces societal norms and conditioning, attempting to make individuals "adjust" to a sick society, rather than question it. Krishnamurti viewed freedom from conditioning—not adaptation to n...