This quote by Swami Vivekananda suggests that the root of all suffering stems from the perception of separateness between individual entities. In this context, he uses “atom and atom” as a metaphor for individuals or entities. The idea here is that when we see ourselves as separate from others, it leads to feelings of isolation, competition, jealousy, fear and other negative emotions which are sources of misery.
The notion of separation fuels egoism and selfishness because we tend to prioritize our own needs over others’. It breeds conflict due to differences in beliefs or interests because we fail to recognize our inherent connectedness and interdependence.
Conversely, if we perceive ourselves not as isolated atoms but as part of a bigger whole – be it humanity, nature or the universe at large – our perspective shifts towards unity. This shift fosters empathy, compassion and cooperation which lead to happiness and peace.
Applying this concept in today’s world could mean cultivating more unity in diversity. Despite cultural differences across nations or ideological differences within societies, recognizing our shared humanity can help reduce conflicts on various levels – interpersonal relationships, social communities or international relations.
In personal development terms: fostering an understanding that your well-being is intrinsically linked with the well-being of others can lead you to make more compassionate choices in life. Recognizing your interconnectedness with people around you might motivate you for instance to contribute positively towards society by volunteering time for community service; nurturing healthier relationships by being more understanding; making sustainable lifestyle choices knowing they impact global environment etc.
Thus the idea suggests that shifting away from a mindset of separation towards one embracing unity can alleviate misery individually & globally while promoting overall harmony & happiness.