Jan 11 2009
On Loneliness versus Solitude
Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.
– May Sarton
Nobody likes to be lonely. Cultivating a friendship with oneself and one’s own interests could be the first step in conquering loneliness. In today’s world this might be difficult with all the outside distractions we have. If we live in a home that has the television on at all times, or the radio or other music, it would be hard to cultivate this friendship with oneself.
Solitude on the other hand has a ring of appeal to it. Even the word is peaceful. Solitude is something we seek, and sometimes we find it. Sarton calls it a “richness of self”. It is our reward for having worked on our relationship with the person closest to us - ourselves.
Here’s my wish for you: richness of self.
