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Comradeship Quote by Olaf Stapledon

“In this passionately social world, loneliness dogged the spirit. People were constantly “getting together,” but they never really got there. Everyone was terrified of being alone with himself; yet in company, in spite of the universal assumption of comradeship, these strange beings remained as…” quote by Olaf Stapledon
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““In this passionately social world, loneliness dogged the spirit. People were constantly “getting together,” but they never really got there. Everyone was terrified of being alone with himself; yet in company, in spite of the universal assumption of comradeship, these strange beings remained as remote from one another as the stars. For everyone searched his neighbour’s eyes for the image of himself, and never saw anything else. Or if he did, he was outraged and terrified.””

Olaf Stapledon

About This Quote

Source Novel: Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon, 1937

In a hyper‑connected society, people gather superficially yet remain emotionally isolated, searching for self‑recognition in others and fearing true solitude.

In simple terms: People feel alone even when surrounded by many.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine connection beyond surface gatherings.

Themes

loneliness society identity connection

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban life
  • online communities
  • workplace teams
  • social events

Key Concepts

existentialism social alienation self‑recognition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster deeper bonds in daily interactions?
  • What does it mean to be truly alone?
A Different Perspective

Even in crowds, authentic intimacy is rare and requires effort.

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