Solitude and Value

There is no doubt, for me personally at least, that solitude, or at least occasional periods of solitude, is not only preferable, but an absolute necessity for psychological well being.

Maybe most people, being the social creatures we are, prefer company, even constant company or contact as an indication of a “normal” sociology. But at the same time, there are quite a few of us that recognize a balance of contact and solitude is really the accurate barometer of a healthy individual, and in turn, a happy society.

Being quiet and introspective is the hallmark of many a great human being. Even the very outspoken and public, the celebrity or successful artist, author or musician, who enjoy public notoriety and popularity, have more likely than not spent many an hour alone, perfecting their art: they delve deep into themselves, “following their bliss,” as Joseph Campbell would say, expressing experience through their work, then returning to the marketplace of friends and acquaintances and admirers for communal interaction. Eventually turning inward once again, supported by a dearth of distraction and influence from others.