"He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard attachment to be happy"
- Chanakya
About this Quote
The quote by Chanakya addresses the complex relationship between attachment and human emotions, specifically fear and sadness. Chanakya, an ancient Indian theorist, suggests that attachment to family members can result in psychological chaos. He argues that the root of sorrow is attachment itself and implies that by giving up accessory, one can attain joy.
At its core, the quote reflects a basic tenet discovered in numerous philosophical and spiritual traditions: accessory is often a source of distress. In Buddhism, for example, accessory is viewed as a primary cause of suffering. When Chanakya speaks of being "excessively attached," he refers to the tendency to cling to relationships and material possessions, which undoubtedly causes fear of loss and grief when loss occurs. These feelings are part of the human condition, but excessive accessory magnifies them, causing persistent misery.
The concept is not to end up being indifferent or emotionally separated in a negative sense however to cultivate a state of non-attachment-- a well balanced and healthy detachment. This means acknowledging the impermanent nature of life and nurturing relationships without ending up being extremely based on them for personal happiness. When people overly identify with and depend upon familial connections, they may experience stress and anxiety and grief when those connections are threatened or liquified.
Chanakya promotes the idea of inner resilience and self-reliance, encouraging people to discover joy within themselves instead of relying excessively on external relationships. By minimizing accessory, one can foster a sense of inner peace and satisfaction that is not easily interrupted by life's unavoidable changes and obstacles.
Ultimately, Chanakya's wisdom invites introspection. It challenges one to review the nature of their attachments and think about how these attachments impact their emotional well-being. Discarding accessory, as Chanakya suggests, does not imply removing love or caring; rather, it is about discovering flexibility from the suffering that originates from clinging too firmly to individuals and things beyond one's control.
This quote is written / told by Chanakya between 350 BC and 275 BC. He/she was a famous Politician from India, the quote is categorized under the topic Family. The author also have 35 other quotes.
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"