There are many kinds of attachment (upadana). The pursuit and clinging to sensual pleasures is very strong (although the strongest is probably attachment to views). It can be as strong as thirst (tanha). It serves a function, not for us who suffer it so much as the species or genes that perpetuate themselves into the future. (See The Selfish Gene on the scientific view of the impersonal nature of biology).
Love (the affection for clinging) is a drive, sex (the affection for pleasure) is a drive, and they are very powerful. What hope is there to overcome or undo them should they start to spread all out of control like fire and ruin our lives, bringing waves of torment and suffering? Things are all well and good when they are working out, but when they are not?
When things sour, then what? These are not conscious processes we have very much insight on. We live on autopilot, and they "happen" to us. Maybe that's okay for most people. But for those who would be free and make an end of all suffering in this very life?
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