Skip to content

Freedom Quote by Colin McAdam

“She has always said that talking makes everyone feel better. He says talking is the equivalent of grooming. The tongue and fingers are governed by the same parts of the brain. He marvels at how close they can be some nights on the phone and how words really are the equal of touch. Bakelite pressed…” quote by Colin McAdam
Download Open image
““She has always said that talking makes everyone feel better. He says talking is the equivalent of grooming. The tongue and fingers are governed by the same parts of the brain. He marvels at how close they can be some nights on the phone and how words really are the equal of touch. Bakelite pressed hard against his ear. She says it's not just the freedom from him and from their daughter. I feel some sort of opening. I saw things so clearly today. He thinks about the solitary figure in every religion, the monks, saints and shamans in every tradition who walk out into wilderness on their own and find revelation. It's what solitude does to a social animal he says. People talk of recognizing something greater than themselves when they're alone because we finally have to realize how helpless we are as individuals. There's a freedom, a sense of wonder in feeling for a moment that we don't have to please anyone or adjust to the needs of others. And there's a fear in realizing how small we are, how much those distant others normally insulate us from seeing the limits of our mostly incompetent bodies. When we're on our own we seek solutions and speculate and fictionalize because that's what we do when we're confronted with survival. That's revelation. Maybe she says, I'm just saying I'd like to eat less meat. We could have fish.””

Colin McAdam

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Longform Podcast, 2022

Talking is a form of intimacy akin to physical touch; solitude reveals personal limits and sparks insight.

In simple terms: Conversation feels like touch; being alone reveals truth.

Key Takeaway

Value honest dialogue and solitary reflection.

Themes

communication solitude self‑discovery

Mood

introspective hopeful

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • friendships
  • therapy
  • creative work
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Neuroscience of language existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does solitude teach you?
  • How does conversation heal?
A Different Perspective

Solitude can also intensify loneliness and fear.

4.3 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Colin McAdam

Explore all 4 Colin McAdam quotes

More Freedom quotes

Browse all 30,124 Freedom quotes