“For solitude to be beneficial, certain preconditions must be met. Kenneth Rubin, a developmental psychologist at the University of Maryland, calls them the “ifs.” Solitude can be productive only: if it is voluntary, if one can regulate one’s emotions “effectively,” if one can join a social group when desired, and if one can maintain positive relationships outside of it. When such conditions aren’t met, yes, solitude can be harmful.” The Atlantic
Today read the full article to reflect on the positive potential of solitude. We liked the way it quotes Thomas Merton on how “We cannot see things in perspective until we cease to hug them to our bosom,” and looks into consequences of having become a more ‘groupish society’ for valuing solitude.
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