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Loneliness: A Human Condition or a Modern Epidemic?
I routinely ask my patients about diet, exercise, sleep, tobacco, and alcohol.
But should I also be routinely inquiring about loneliness?
A new study suggests the answer is yes.
Loneliness and isolation affect one-third of US adults over 50.
While the study indicates that we are back to pre-pandemic levels, the results remind me that clinicians should screen our patients for loneliness.
Before we look at some ways to reduce loneliness, let’s check what philosophers have to say on the issue.
Philosophers on Loneliness
I love seeing how philosophers frame issues.
Here are several examples of philosophers discussing loneliness, drawing from various philosophical perspectives.
Of course, I begin with Sartre.
Then, we’ll look at pessimism from Schopenhauer's perspective.
From there, we’ll hear from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Arendt, and Turkle.