Detachment

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For other uses, see Detachment (disambiguation)}}}.

Detachment is a state in where a person, theoretically, overcomes his or her attachment to desire for things or people or concepts in the world and thus attains a supposedly heightened perspective. Detachment as release from desire and consequently from suffering is an important principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen philosophy, and Kabbalah. In psychology it is referred to as dissociation or apathy. Many feminist epistemologists have questioned the viability of such a state of detachment, particularly as it contributes to the 'view from nowhere' of objectivity.

Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching" expressed the concept (in chapter 44) as:

Fame or Self: Which matters more? Self or Wealth: Which is more precious? Gain or Loss: Which is more painful? He who is attached to things will suffer much. He who saves will suffer heavy loss. A contented man is rarely disappointed. He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble. He will stay forever safe.

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