Aloneness Quote by Lorrie Moore
““If you had forgotten, it would quickly come back to you. Aloneness was like riding a bike. At gunpoint. With the gun in your own hand. Aloneness was the air in your tires, the wind in your hair. You didn't have to go looking for it with open arms. With open arms, you fell off the bike: I was drinking my wine too quickly.””
About This Quote
The passage reflects on the paradox of solitude, describing it as both inevitable and self‑imposed, and how confronting it can be both liberating and unsettling.
In simple terms: Solitude is an unavoidable, self‑created state.
Key Takeaway
Embrace solitude without over‑seeking it.
Themes
identity
self‑awareness
paradox
freedom
vulnerability
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
introspective
Type
aphoristic
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative writing
- midlife transition
- emotional introspection
Key Concepts
solitude
self‑reflection
agency
Practical Applications
- therapy journaling
- creative workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeking solitude change when you view it as a choice?
- What does the metaphor of riding a bike reveal about control?
