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Sudha Murty’s words on sensitivity raise a difficult question: Should we protect our feelings, or learn not to be ruled by them? (Picture: Instagram)
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Moneycontrol•24-09-2026, 12:28
Sudha Murty's Wisdom: Why Being Too Sensitive Can Lead to Suffering
  • •Sudha Murty's quote, "You should not be so sensitive. Sensitive people suffer a lot in life," challenges the common narrative around emotional well-being by highlighting the cost of taking everything personally.
  • •The article clarifies that sensitivity isn't weakness, but warns against allowing every external reaction to control one's inner state, leading to exhaustion.
  • •In the age of social media, constant exposure to opinions and judgments from strangers complicates sensitivity, making it crucial to discern which feelings deserve attention.
  • •Key lessons from the quote include not reacting to everything, differentiating between criticism and insult, and not making others' moods one's responsibility.
  • •The advice emphasizes protecting one's softness without letting it control you, learning to feel deeply without allowing every feeling to dictate decisions, and understanding what truly merits deep emotional investment.

Key Questions Answered

The quote appears in her book titled How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories.

Sudha Murty is a well-known Indian author, educator, philanthropist, and former Infosys Foundation chairperson. She was also born in Shiggaon, Karnataka, and historically became the first female engineer hired by India's largest auto manufacturer, TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company.

Social media exposes individuals to opinions from hundreds of strangers before breakfast, including critical comments about appearance, career judgments, and provocative messages. Because phones never really switch off, the opportunity to be worried or hurt remains constantly active.