J. Krishnamurti discusses the relationship between the individual and society, highlighting the growing control of the State over people’s lives. He notes how the State, much like the Church in the past, now dictates what people should think and read, intruding into their personal lives. This new form of control turns the State into a sort of modern religion, replacing the worship of God with the worship of the State. Krishnamurti argues that neither the State nor the Church truly care about the liberation and freedom of individuals.

He emphasizes that society should exist to benefit individuals, not the other way around. The purpose of society should be to help people awaken their highest intelligence. This intelligence isn’t just about acquiring knowledge or skills; it’s about connecting with a deeper, creative reality. True intelligence is found in freedom and can’t be simply taught or copied. It’s not something that accumulates over time through achievements and success, but rather something that is discovered in the absence of these pressures.

However, Krishnamurti points out that society often doesn’t provide this freedom. Society is static, built for human convenience, and lacks its own independent life. People shape and control society based on their own psychological states, but society is not the true master of man. There is always a conflict between the living, dynamic nature of individuals and the static nature of society. This conflict reflects the internal struggles within individuals themselves. Until the highest intelligence is awakened within people, this conflict will continue both within themselves and in their relationship with society.

Krishnamurti makes a distinction between being a citizen and being a man. We are both social beings and individuals. For true peace, we need to understand the proper relationship between these roles. Governments prefer people to act solely as citizens because it makes governance easier. Being a good citizen involves conforming and functioning efficiently within societal rules, which often means sacrificing personal integrity. It toughens people and makes them ruthless, capable of putting the needs of society above their own humanity.

In contrast, a good man, according to Krishnamurti, is someone who seeks out the highest intelligence and lives by moral principles. Such a man naturally becomes a right citizen, one who acts in cooperation with others and doesn’t seek authority. A good man doesn’t act against others but instead fosters a community of other good individuals. This man avoids the ruthlessness and stupidity often required to be a good citizen.

Krishnamurti argues that while an intelligent man can create a good society, a society focused on producing good citizens cannot foster true intelligence. The State and current society focus on the outer aspects of individuals, neglecting their inner development. The State sacrifices the present for the future, always planning ahead rather than addressing the immediate needs of individuals.

To resolve the conflict between the individual and society, Krishnamurti believes we must focus on understanding and transforming the present moment. When individuals achieve this transformation, the conflict between their inner selves and their roles as citizens will cease. This transformation is of supreme importance and cannot be achieved by trying to reconcile the citizen with the man through traditional means. Instead, it requires a fundamental change in how we understand and live in the present.