Member-only story
Why is solitude often misunderstood?
"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." — Blaise Pascal.
Solitude is often misunderstood. Many associate it with loneliness, isolation, or retreating from responsibilities. They see it as a sign of weakness, a refusal to engage with the world.
Solitude is not about avoidance. It is about deep engagement.
It is not an escape from reality but a return to the self. In a relentlessly moving world, solitude provides space to think, reflect, and regain clarity. Sitting in silence is not easy, but it is necessary.
Modern life does not encourage solitude. It fills every gap with noise—notifications, conversations, responsibilities, entertainment.
When people are alone, they reach for something to occupy their mind. This instinct makes sense. Facing oneself without distractions can be uncomfortable, but it forces people to acknowledge thoughts and emotions that might otherwise be ignored.
This discomfort is why many avoid solitude. They fear what they might discover in the quiet. It is easier to keep busy, drown out unease with social interactions, and distract oneself with endless scrolling.
