Considering the Concept of Perfection at Systemic and Individual Levels - Essay Example

Perfection is a concept that would not be easily achieved by individuals. Throughout the ages, man has been attempting to seek something beyond himself and beyond material welfare. (Krishnamurti, 1) Even in the hierarchy of needs, there is always desire to achieve a certain level of perfection. This is a concept that can be realized at all levels; individual level and at systemic level. Individuals tend to set some code of conduct according to the norms of the society. (Krishnamurti 1) In this paper, the study will examine the concept of perfection at both levels.

Systemic level will present a clearer picture on the imperfection nature of the world. Further a relationship will be created between perfection and how it narrows down to individuals respect. To achieve perfection, there is need to have some reference. Perfection is a relative concept and as such, no one can claim it. To say that one is perfect is to say another is not. Individuals must always try to be above their current status. (Krishnamurti, 13) This is part of the nature of human needs.

This is one of the main reasons why individuals cannot be perfect. The study will attempt to rely heavily on the works of Krishnamurti (1895-1986)Krishnamurti (9) notes that individuals have the ability to free themselves from the tyranny which is presented by the society. It is through these ways that he has studied imperfection. He notes that imperfection may be appreciated, cognizant to the fact that reality is an elusive and relative concept. People’s minds are clouded with perception, which impede their ability to think and make logical decisions.

(Krishnamurti 10) Mostly the receptor organs determine how individuals reason. These factors reflect whether what individuals say are perfects or are not. Since there is no accuracy in perception, individuals cannot be completely perfect in their quest. We surrender ourselves to authorities. When we get foolish enough to receive systems as presented to us, then we would be merely copying, imitating, conforming as well as accepting and therefore if we do not do that then we would be creating conflict between us and the authority.

Krishnamurti (9) reveals that accuracy may only be achieved through the combination of senses and critical reasoning. At systemic level, desire to always be perfect is a continuous process. Like individuals, society is always dogmatic in its views. This assumption has been advanced by Krishnamurti (25), where he suggests that every part of society believes that the world view they harbor reflects the perfect nature of the world. This makes it difficult to achieve an empirical nature of the perfect world.

The views that are held by the society impact on individuals both socially and psychologically. It is therefore important to note that the world cannot achieve perfection at all times. The concept of taking the lead as a respected person or as a second hand person is an issues that borders ego of individuals. In its broadness, the achievement of respect depends on the views that society have on an individuals. When individuals deny something that society thinks is right, then it means that individuals begin to stand alone and therefore are lready in conflict with the society (Krishnamurti, 5).

This is where individuals ceases to become a second hand man and as such, loses respect. This happens because the second hand man is usually the one who serves the respected. From the onset, definition is usually made in the society to profile the members of the society, on which status an individual’s assume. Many factors would surround the matter, including leadership position or economic positions of individuals have in the society. To be knowledgeable in the society allows individuals to isolate themselves from the society.

This is an important achievement that also individuates people. When individuals are individuated, then they begin to define how they would be respected in the society. As noted by Krishnamurti (25), by changing ourselves, we can alter the structure of the society. The most important thing is the recognition of the very possibility of making that change. Their world views on the perception of perfection become different from the rest of the world and this makes them stand out in the society.

Work CitedKrishnamurti, J.. Freedom from the known,. [1st U.S. ed. New York: Harper & Row, 1969. Print.