The Solace and Torment in Solitude

Interintellect Anwar AlKandari will lead an intimate discussion on solitude – how it affects our thinking process, mental state, and relationship with others. 

“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”

“Although I am a typical loner in my daily life, my awareness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has prevented me from feelings of isolation.”

― Albert Einstein

Solitude is an intentional space which we build for ourselves in order to think, learn, heal, or escape a demanding world. Not exclusively to introverts, but to all mankind, solitude can be a treat for the mind – or a need: “To be alone is a natural need, just like drinking and eating; otherwise, with this communism forced on him, man comes to hate mankind” (from Selected Letters of Fyodor Dostoievski). 

In this salon, we will explore:

• Different states of mind and emotions which come along with solitude.
• Unintentional solitude and loneliness.
• Important non-human companions in our solitude and their roles.
• Building, and enhancing, solitary places for creativity.

Good to read/watch before the salon:

• The Art of Alone: Intentional Solitude | Niqolas Ruud
• Einstein Shunned Phones in Favor of Solitude and Quiet Reflection
• Creative Habits (you can only read “The Greats on Solitude” section under the “No. 1 Creativity Habit” for great inspiration)
• The Power of Solitude
• The Psychology of Solitude 
• Pablo Picasso and Solitude

Photo by Claudia Fuggetti

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