In today's world, where emotional connections and attachments arise so easily, it is crucial to know how to maintain one’s independence.

The Wisdom of Cultivating Independence

In today's world, where emotional connections and attachments arise so easily, it is crucial to know how to maintain one’s independence. Excessive reliance on others can drown out the inner voice, rob one of freedom, and create emotional traps that are hard to escape. It is the ability to view the world broadly and thoughtfully, making decisions based on one’s own convictions.

At the core of this approach lies the idea that it is more valuable to be true to oneself than to imitate external standards or depend on fleeting pleasures. Choosing autonomy allows one to better understand their true aspirations and avoid falling into networks of compromising obligations that can drain inner resources. The energy invested in cultivating one’s individuality strengthens inner power and helps maintain flexibility in a changing world.

In conclusion, the ability to build relationships without letting them dictate their terms becomes the key to maintaining mental clarity and confidence for the future. By developing confidence and independence, we learn not only to cherish the time given to us in life but also to take careful care of ourselves, remaining the masters of our own destiny.

Why might the advice not to become attached to people be considered one of the wisest life principles?

The advice not to get too attached is seen as wise because excessive attachment can deprive a person of freedom and the ability to act independently. When we depend too much on others, we risk losing our autonomy and becoming caught in networks of emotional obligations that prevent us from making thoughtful decisions and pursuing our life goals. Such an approach helps maintain clarity of mind and protect us from potential disappointments when relationships or people’s opinions change.

For example, one excerpt advises against imitating animals who, for the sake of fleeting pleasures, lose all their freedom:
"Do not resemble a fly or an ant, which, for the sake of a little honeyed sweetness, destroy all their free movement. Or do not resemble pigs, who, despite the fact that they are often chased away from the garden’s herbs and variously mistreated, remember nothing and return there again. Do not be so foolish as to enslave yourself to any sweetness of this world. Remember that this has been granted for a very limited time, so be free from all of it. It is better to be free than oppressed, better to have self-rule than to be bound." (source: link txt)

Another excerpt warns that constantly looking around can lead to traps from which it is hard to escape:
"Thus, be like this: always and everywhere look around in all directions and never, throughout your life, be careless, for you have trappers from all sides, nets from everywhere, snares from every direction. Beware of falling into them—once caught, it is difficult to break free, and you will not escape their weight and sorrow. Do not resemble a fly or an ant, which, for the sake of a little honeyed sweetness, ruin all their free movement. Or do not resemble pigs, who, despite being frequently driven away from the garden’s herbs and suffering various injuries, remember nothing and return there again. Do not be so foolish as to enslave yourself to any sweetness of this world. Remember that this has been granted only for a very short time, so be free from all of it. It is better to be free than enslaved, better to have self-rule than to be bound." (source: link txt)

These quotes emphasize that renouncing excessive attachment helps preserve independence and inner strength. If a person does not allow themselves to become completely dependent on others, they can better understand their true goals, remain faithful to themselves, and ultimately achieve a higher level of wisdom and well-being. This principle warns against the loss of personal freedom and teaches us to retain control over our lives, regardless of external influences.

Supporting citation(s):
"Do not resemble a fly or an ant, which, for the sake of a little honeyed sweetness, destroy all their free movement. Or do not resemble pigs, who, despite the fact that they are often chased away from the garden’s herbs and variously mistreated, remember nothing and return there again. Do not be so foolish as to enslave yourself to any sweetness of this world. Remember that this has been granted for a very limited time, so be free from all of it. It is better to be free than oppressed, better to have self-rule than to be bound." (source: link txt)

"Thus, be like this: always and everywhere look around in all directions and never, throughout your life, be careless, for you have trappers from all sides, nets from everywhere, snares from every direction. Beware of falling into them—once caught, it is difficult to break free, and you will not escape their weight and sorrow. Do not resemble a fly or an ant, which, for the sake of a little honeyed sweetness, ruin all their free movement. Or do not resemble pigs, who, despite being frequently driven away from the garden’s herbs and suffering various injuries, remember nothing and return there again. Do not be so foolish as to enslave yourself to any sweetness of this world. Remember that this has been granted only for a very short time, so be free from all of it. It is better to be free than enslaved, better to have self-rule than to be bound." (source: link txt)