“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.”
- 7th century BC to 5th century BC
- Indian
- Religious leader, thinker
- Founded Buddhism, taught people the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which showed the causes of suffering and how to resolve them, and spread the path of training aimed at inner liberation and enlightenment.
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Quote
“He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.”
Explanation
This quote reflects the idea that attachment—whether to people, possessions, or experiences—can lead to suffering. The more we love or care for others, the more we become vulnerable to pain, loss, or disappointment. Each relationship or attachment brings its own set of challenges and potential sorrows. In contrast, the person who remains detached and does not form emotional bonds may avoid these difficulties. However, this also implies a life of emotional isolation, where the absence of love may bring peace but also a lack of connection and fulfillment.
In modern life, this quote can serve as a reminder of the balance between attachment and detachment. While relationships and love can bring joy, they also come with the potential for hurt, conflict, and loss. Practicing mindful love—where one loves deeply but without attachment—can help mitigate the potential woes of loving others. For instance, cultivating love and care for family and friends, while accepting that we cannot control everything, allows for deeper connections without overwhelming sorrow when things go wrong.
Historically, Buddha’s teachings emphasized detachment from the ego and the illusion of permanence, recognizing that attachment leads to suffering (dukkha). However, Buddha also taught compassion and love for all beings. The key is to love selflessly and without clinging to the outcomes or expectations of those relationships. True peace, according to Buddha, comes from loving without attachment, understanding that everything, including relationships, is impermanent and subject to change.
