What do you think....is there underline freedom in solitude or isolation?

Of course. Pure freedom. You have no one to answer to, no one to worry about but yourself and you do what you want. Solitude is lonely though. It's a human need to have companionship. Some people thrive off of being isolated but me personally, I wouldn't want that at all. I do enjoy being by myself a lot, but I also like having friends/family.

Ugh no! I find solitude oppressive!

I think there's definitely a freedom in solitude. I'm not really a social being, so solitude is nothing unfamiliar to me. I'm more relaxed when I'm by myself, I can do what I want, etc.

I don't know, but solitude IS liberty.

Absolutely.

This is something that I tell a girlfriend of mine often. She bounces from one man to the next, and never takes time to just be alone. I think solitude can be very empowering in this way. You have to be able to count on yourself and I don't think there is any better way to do it.

I hope this is what you mean with your question.

Nhaiyel wrote:

Absolutely.

This is something that I tell a girlfriend of mine often. She bounces from one man to the next, and never takes time to just be alone. I think solitude can be very empowering in this way. You have to be able to count on yourself and I don't think there is any better way to do it.

I hope this is what you mean with your question.

Close enough.

Marc, by your reply to Nhaiyel I have to think your question is more, "do you have more personal freedom if you're not in a relationship with another person?" and not being a hermit. Well of course there's freedom in not having to consider someone else's feelings about where to go or what to do. Every once in a while some “me” time is necessary but if it’s all the time I think Robbie is right. There’s that saying that “No man is an island.” If I’m stranded on one by myself, I’m not free. I’m in solitary confinement with a better view.