Long time Quote by Lawrence Osborne
““For a long time I had wanted to take leave of Planet Tourism, to find one of those places that occasionally turn up in the middle pages of newspapers in far-flung cities, in which--we are told--a mad loner has been discovered who has lost all contact with the modern world. It seems inevitable that this desire will one day be listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association as Robinson Crusoe Syndrome.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, “Robinson Crusoe Syndrome”, 2015
The writer humorously notes that the desire to escape modern life and find isolation can become a recognized psychological condition, reflecting society’s growing alienation and the romanticization of solitude.
In simple terms: Escaping modern life may be seen as a mental health issue.
Key Takeaway
Balance connection with healthy solitude.
Themes
modern alienation
solitude
psychology
travel
self‑discovery
Mood
thoughtful
ironic
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- remote work retreats
- solo travel
- digital detox
- urban burnout
Key Concepts
existentialism
cultural critique
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we romanticize isolation too much?
- When does healthy solitude become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone who seeks solitude has a disorder; context matters.
![“You are not here to please other people or to live your lives their way. You can only live it your own way and walk your own pathway. You have come [here] to fulfill yourself and express love on the deepest level. You are here to learn and grow... When you leave the planet... the only thing you…” quote by Louise Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ba/louise-hay-598_capacity_you-are-not-here-to-please-other-people_338130.jpg)
