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,…..”.
Your comments are welcome. You may kindly comment by clicking on the chat icon beneath the heading.
Would you like a teddy bear to keep you company in those moments of solitude? It wouldn’t disturb you and would provide a cuddle to support you when you are in your creative elements. Kindly check out this MorisMos Giant Teddy Bear with Big Footprints as shown below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do not miss out on our interesting topics. Please subscribe below to get updates delivered straight into your inbox:
Pingback:The Hypocrisy of Friends and Amazing Benefits of Enemies
Solitude is the best way to know peace, staying out of trouble and gossip. It makes you better and happier on your own terms. I love this state, because it’s self-ecstasy. Though others tag you with all sorts of names, it’s having a quiet time to be independent where possible than being dependent. Thanks for the knowledge and clarification madam.
Unfortunately in our part of the world when one’s work requires extreme solitude in order to deliver he is perceived as anti- social(antiso).
The two ( loneliness and solitude)in my opinion are poles apart and must not be seen as cousins.Solitude always yield progress whereas loliness yields disappointments
Thanks for the lesson. I am a beneficiary of solitude because it increases my productivity and boosts my creativity. I share an office with two friends who joined two years or more before me, so they obviously feel they are more entitled to the office than me. You can imagine the catching-ups that go on in the mornings when they arrive. So I come in early and have some time to myself and sometimes stay on when they leave. And ooo I will definitely stop using loneliness and solitude interchangeably.
Unfortunately in our part of the world when one’s work requires extreme solitude in order to deliver he is perceived as anti- social(antiso).
The two ( loneliness and solitude)in my opinion are poles apart and must not be seen as cousins.Solitude always yield progress whereas loliness yields disappointments
Unfortunately in our part of the world when one’s work requires extreme solitude in order to deliver he is perceived as anti- social(antiso).
The two ( loneliness and solitude)in my opinion are poles apart and must not be seen as cousins.Solitude always yield progress whereas loliness yields disappointments
Unfortunately in our part of the world when one’s work requires extreme solitude in order to deliver he is perceived as anti- social (antiso).
The two ( loneliness and solitude)in my opinion are poles apart and must not be seen as cousins. Solitude always yields progress whereas loneliness yields disappointments
That’s very true. Thanks for your comments.
…solitude is necessary break from all the dins surrounding us’, an opportunity to connect with and recreate ourselves.
Yes, thanks for your comments.
Is it not mere semantics? What you make of a situation whether by choice or imposition is what matters I believe. It’s very natural to feel lonely but what is essential is to prevent it from having a negative impact on your life.
Very educative piece!
Thanks counsel.
Wow! That’s very instructive, Learned Senior! I have never thought about the disparateness of the two words, loneliness and solitude. Thanks for always working so hard to give us mental nourishment. Please remain safe and blessed.
Most welcome counsel and thanks so much.
Thank you for bringing to bear the benefits of solitude and the distinction between loneliness and solitude. I work better very early in the morning or late at night, I enjoy my walks on the beach far away from home. Some people find these disturbing but thank you for the vote of confidence this piece gives. Thank you for always enlightening us.
You’re most welcome.
This clearly reminds me that personal quiet time with myself is a blessed and productive moment. I will keep cherishing my moments of solitude. A down-to-earth piece that goes home with me warmly. Thank you, Madam.
Most welcome counsel.
I love my solitude but one cannot say I love my loneliness 😔