Alone time Quote by Thomas L. Dumm
“Usually, we think that "good" loneliness is what we call "solitude," the choice of some alone-time. But I want to press on with the negative dimension, to look at ways in which a fundamental sense of being separated from others shapes who we are and why.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Solitude Paradox, 2015
Explores how negative loneliness shapes identity and behavior, beyond positive solitude.
In simple terms: Negative loneliness influences who we become.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on how isolation affects you.
Themes
identity
loneliness
psychology
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- mental health
- relationships
- creative work
Key Concepts
social separation
self-concept
Questions to Reflect On
- How does feeling separated change your actions?
- Can you turn loneliness into insight?
A Different Perspective
Positive solitude can be beneficial, but negative loneliness may harm wellbeing.
![“It is not good for man to be alone. Hitherto all things [in Genesis] that have been named, were approved of God to be very good: loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named not good.” quote by John Milton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73f/john-milton-191_eye_it-is-not-good-for-man-to-be-alone-hithe_2066427.jpg)
![“Paul Tillich - Loneliness & Solitude: "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain to pray: and when the evening was come, he was alone" - Matthew 14.23. 'He was there alone.' So are we. Man [humankind] is alone because he/[she] is man [human]. In some way every creature…” quote by Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/137/paul-tillich-3183_inspirational_paul-tillich-loneliness-solitude-and-whe_394893.jpg)
![“I worry that we don't currently have a democracy in the United States. Instead we have what [political philosopher] Sheldon Wolin has recently labeled a sort of inverted totalitarianism.” quote by Thomas L. Dumm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dcf/thomas-l-dumm-34424_democracy_i-worry-that-we-don-t-currently-have-a-d_849481.jpg)
