SOLITUDE VS. LONELINESS. Conceptual analysis of distinction
YOUNG SCIENTIST’S PAGE
Keywords:
solitude, loneliness, the Self, Goldilocks principle, the Other, physical and mental detachmentAbstract
The article attempts to substantiate the terminological and conceptual distinction between the phenomena of solitude and loneliness. Despite their fundamental differences, they are frequently conflated in both common language and academic discourse. Solitude is conceptualized as a positive and intentional state – an active choice made by an individual to step away from the distractions of the external world and engage in introspection, contemplation, and self-growth. In contrast, loneliness is presented as a negative emotional condition, which arises when an individual feels disconnected, unfulfilled, or alienated, and often reflects a deeper inability or unwillingness to embrace solitude. Loneliness is the emotional discomfort that occurs when the human need for social interaction remains unmet, which may also stem from an internal conflict between the desire for connection and the incapacity to tolerate the solitude necessary to foster personal reflection and growth. Previous research has sought to differentiate between solitude as a source of creative inspiration, spiritual enlightenment, or emotional refuge, and solitude as a condition of social withdrawal or alienation. However, it has become increasingly apparent that loneliness often lurks beneath the surface of these various types of solitude, complicating the issue further and undermining the clarity of its terminology. This overlap between solitude and loneliness has introduced a degree of ambiguity, making it more difficult to establish clear boundaries between the two concepts. Given these challenges, the article advocates for a more unified and holistic conceptualization of solitude, positioning it as an essential and natural component of human existence. Rather than being viewed as a negative or avoidable experience, solitude should be understood as a necessary state that accompanies individuals on their path of personal development, self-realization, and intellectual exploration.
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