| Deterioration implies decaying, dulling, becoming insensitive, and therefore the utter lack of intelligence. One of the major factors in life is this deterioration – not only the body deteriorating but the mind and thought, and the structure of one’s own brain, the cells within. We are always deteriorating, and the cause of this deterioration is conflict and effort. It is like an engine that is running with a great deal of friction, and therefore it cannot function properly, and therefore deteriorates as long as it’s running. Comparison, conflict and effort not only breed deterioration but also fear, and where there is fear, there is darkness and no love, affection or understanding. From Public Talk 5, Saanen, 21 July 1964 Read more | 