Solitude vs. Loneliness: Being Alone in Our Connected World
What is Solitude? Do You Have Enough of It?
The world’s population is at an all-time high. We have flocked to dense cities and each day, we walk past more people than ever. We are more connected than ever, but paradoxically, lonelier than ever.
According to a recent Harris Poll survey, almost 3/4 of Americans experience loneliness. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently sounded the alarm on this loneliness epidemic, which he believes is negatively effecting our health.
As it turns out, I just came back from a few days of hiking alone in the woods. After spending more time alone than I had in a while , I felt less lonely. How can this be?
This essay has two goals: 1) defining and differentiating solitude and loneliness and 2) making the case for solitude.
Solitude Vs. Loneliness
Let’s start with the basics and go to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definitions of loneliness and solitude:
Loneliness: 1) Being without company, 2) Sad from being alone, 3) Producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation
Solitude: The quality or state of being alone or remote from society. For example:
