When Is Learning Possible?

作者：克里希那穆提

To inquire and to learn is the function of the mind.

探究和学习是大脑的功能。

By learning I do not mean the mere cultivation of memory or the accumulation of knowledge,

我所说的学习不是指单纯的记忆培养或知识积累，

but the capacity to think clearly and sanely without illusion,to start from facts and not from beliefs and ideals.

而是要有清晰理智的思考能力，不带幻想，从事实出发，而不是从信念和理想出发。

There is no learning if thought originates from conclusions.

如果思想源于结论，就没有学习。

Merely to acquire information or knowledge is not to learn.

仅仅获取信息或知识并不是学习。

Learning implies the love of understanding and the love of doing a thing for itself.

学习意味着热爱理解，热爱为自己做一件事。

Learning is possible only when there is no coercion of any kind.

只有在没有任何形式的胁迫的情况下，学习才有可能。

And coercion takes many forms, does it not?

胁迫有多种形式，不是吗？

There is coercion through influence, through attachment or threat, through persuative encouragement, or subtle forms of reward.

有通过影响力、通过依恋或威胁、通过说服性鼓励或微妙的奖励形式的胁迫。

Most people think that learning is encouraged through comparision, whereas the contrary is the fact.

大多数人认为通过比较来鼓励学习，而事事恰恰相反。

Comparison brings about frustration and merely encourages envy, which is called competition.

比较会带来沮丧，只会带来嫉妒，这就是所谓的竞争。

Like other forms of persuation, comparison prevents learning and breeds fear.

与其他形式的说服一样，比较阻碍学习并滋生恐惧。