It has become steadily clearer to me that alienation is…
““It has become steadily clearer to me that alienation is one of the determining realities of the contemporary age. . . By alienation I mean the state of mind that can find a social order remote, incomprehensible, or fraudulent; beyond real hope or desire; inviting apathy, boredom, or even hostility. The individual not only does not feel a part of the social order; he has lost interest in being a part of it. For a constantly enlarging number of persons, including, significantly, young persons of high school and college age, this state of alienation has become profoundly influential in both behavior and thought.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Alienation describes feeling detached from society, seeing it as distant, incomprehensible, or fraudulent, leading to apathy or hostility.
In simple terms: Feeling disconnected from society.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address social disconnection.
Themes
alienation
modernity
youth
social critique
Mood
disillusioned
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- high school
- college
- urban communities
- political activism
- mental health services
Key Concepts
existentialism
social theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does alienation affect civic engagement?
- What can institutions do to reduce feelings of fraud?
A Different Perspective
Alienation can be a symptom of deeper systemic issues, not just personal attitude.