--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you cling, life is destroyed; when…" description: "\"When you cling, life is destroyed; when you hold on to anything, you cease to live.\" — Anthony de Mello" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0b/anthony-de-mello-1331_cease_when-you-cling-life-is-destroyed-when-yo_1259536.png" --- # When you cling, life is destroyed; when you hold on to… ![“When you cling, life is destroyed; when you hold on to anything, you cease to live.” quote by Anthony de Mello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0b/anthony-de-mello-1331_cease_when-you-cling-life-is-destroyed-when-yo_1259536.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0b/anthony-de-mello-1331_cease_when-you-cling-life-is-destroyed-when-yo_1259536.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e0b/anthony-de-mello-1331_cease_when-you-cling-life-is-destroyed-when-yo_1259536.png) > “When you cling, life is destroyed; when you hold on to anything, you cease to live.” [Anthony de Mello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-de-mello/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Clinging destroys life; holding onto anything stops true living, urging release of attachments. **In simple terms:** Attachment kills vitality; let go to live fully. Key Takeaway Release attachments to embrace life. Themes attachment spirituality freedom Mood thoughtful serene Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - relationships - career - material possessions - personal growth Key Concepts impermanence mindfulness Questions to Reflect On - What are you clinging to? - How might release change your life? A Different Perspective Letting go can be frightening. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Live life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/live-life/) ## Related quotes > [“Most of us cling to life as if our existence were a result of our deed or choice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/most-of-us-cling-to-life-as-if-our-existence-were-a-result-of-our/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [“In spite of her superficial independence, her fundamental need was to cling. 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If I forget the extermination of the Jews, may my right hand wither, may my tongue stick to my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/menachem-begin/in-the-name-of-jerusalem-if-i-forget-the-extermination-of-the-jews/) [Menachem Begin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/menachem-begin/) > [But if you will recall the history of our civil troubles, you will see half the nation bathe itself, out of piety, in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-diderot/but-if-you-will-recall-the-history-of-our-civil-troubles-you-will-see/) [Denis Diderot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-diderot/) > [Metallica's the only band i've ever been in. I'm not sure that when it ends in five, ten years, I'm going to put an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lars-ulrich/metallica-s-the-only-band-i-ve-ever-been-in-i-m-not-sure-that-when-it/) [Lars Ulrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lars-ulrich/) > [Cease speaking of enemies when an achievement can kindle a great light. 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