Meaning of loneliness and solitude
We may describe loneliness as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. We may also describe loneliness as a social pain or a psychological mechanism which motivates individuals to seek social connections. We associate loneliness with an unwanted lack of connection and intimacy.
Solitude, for its part, is the state of being apart from others. The Oxford dictionary defines solitude as the state or situation of being alone.
Differences between loneliness and solitude
Whereas we perceive loneliness as a negative emotional state, we perceive solitude as positive and pleasant. Loneliness may be forced upon an individual but solitude is a choice. May Sarton, an American poet, expressed the difference between loneliness and solitude as follows: “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.”
Paul Tillich, an American-German philosopher, expressed a similar view as follows: “Language ……. has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word ‘solitude’ to express the glory of being alone.”
Thus, the two are therefore different although people sometimes erroneously use them interchangeably.
Benefits of solitude
Solitude has some benefits, unlike loneliness, which has a negative connotation.
Boosts creativity
Solitude boosts creativity. Moments spent alone encourage us to use our imagination. As a result, we become more creative. As such, it is no wonder that musicians, artists and authors crave solitude since it provides them with inspiration.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman, therefore expressed, “One can be instructed in society, one is inspired only in solitude.”
Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor, expressed a similar view as follows: “The mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone – that is the secret of invention. Be alone – that is when ideas are born”.
Therefore, being alone, or in other words, in a state of solitude, is a prerequisite for creativity.
Increases productivity
Solitude also increases productivity. Most people claim to be able to give off their best in terms of work very early in the morning when the office is secluded. Or they may do so very late at night when the world is asleep. Thus, where we require intense concentration to perfom a task, we cannot overemphasize the benefits of being alone without any interruptions.
Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter and sculptor, thus expressed, “Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” Thomas Edison, an American inventor, for his part, also stated, “The best thinking has been done in solitude.”
Promotes introspection
Solitude promotes introspection. Introspection means the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes. This, in turn, promotes self-awareness. Being alone gives us a chance to soberly reflect on our lives and to regain perspective. It also enables us to examine our goals and to measure our progress.
When we, in solitude, examine our lives, we are able to find ways in which we can improve upon ourselves. As Socrates, the Greek philosopher, stated, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Builds mental and emotional strength
Solitude also builds mental and emotional strength. When we learn to enjoy our own company, we rely less on others for mental and emotional fulfilment. This makes us mentally and emotionally strong. We would thus not need the company of other people in order to be happy. We would be equally happy when alone, keeping company with ourselves. We become less needy emotionally. We rather exhibit emotional independence.
Henry David Thoreau, an American essayist, poet and philosopher, in likening solitude to a companion, stated, “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” Thomas Browne, an English polymath and author, in espousing the benefits of solitude also advised as follows: “Be able to be alone. Lose not the advantage of solitude, and the society of thyself.”
Conclusion
To conclude, we should not shy away from solitude which, unlike loneliness, is beneficial. Nature provides us with a means of enjoying solitude. This is beautifully expressed in a poem by Lord Byron, a British poet, in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage as follows:
“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more,…..”.
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