Attachment Quote by David Foster Wallace
“Are we not all of us fanatics? I say only what you of the U.S.A. pretend you do not know. Attachments are of great seriousness. Choose your attachments carefully. Choose your temple of fanaticism with great care. What you wish to sing of as tragic love is an attachment not carefully chosen. Die for one person? This is a craziness. Persons change, leave, die, become ill. They leave, lie, go mad, have sickness, betray you, die. Your nation outlives you. A cause outlives you.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Infinite Jest, 1996
The quote warns that personal and ideological attachments become dangerous when treated as absolute, urging careful selection of what we devote ourselves to.
In simple terms: Choose attachments wisely; avoid fanaticism.
Key Takeaway
Pick causes that align with lasting values.
Themes
attachment
fanaticism
identity
impermanence
legacy
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political activism
- career choices
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
politics
Questions to Reflect On
- What attachments have you unexamined?
- How do you balance passion with flexibility?
A Different Perspective
Attachment can become oppressive if not regularly reassessed.
