Solitude or Loneliness: Humans in a Modern World

I’m a regular movie watcher on many flights. I love American, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Hong Kongese and even the odd European Indian and Chinese movie. 

I’ve noticed recently a regular theme of loneliness. I think it’s always been there but for some odd reason I have only really noticed it now.

Young and old people, by themselves living in a city or living by themselves. Going about their day, working, surviving, surrounded by people but alone. Searching and hungering for something more. 

I was listening to a great podcast episode with Chris Williamson and Sadia Khan about how humans are wired for connection. Apparently we even sleep better when we are sleeping in a group together. Goes back to caveman Neanderthal days. Tribal instincts and safety in numbers. 

I’m used to traveling and living by myself. For extended periods of time. Eating by myself at a restaurant, going to a movie by myself. Most of the time I do enjoy it. I can do and go wherever I want. Stay up late and do whatever. It also certainly helps to be an introvert. 

But I do miss my family. I miss the connection. 

However, I have my books, my internet connection and friends all over the world in almost every city. That’s not nothing. And I suspect this is a new adoption or maybe even mal-adoption to our new modern world. 

As the quote goes: “friends are the family you choose.”