How does isolation affect the human spirit?

Answer 1

This is an interesting question. Emile Durkheim (famous sociologist) addressed this in his work "Suicide", which you may or may not have heard of. Basically, what Durkheim noticed was that after the industrial revolution (IR) suicide rates skyrocketed. He was interested in finding out why.

Durkheim's answer to this problem was called anomie. Anomie is basically normlessness. Everyone in society is governed by norms, it's what makes us keep in line and act according to society's rules. When the IR happened, suddenly norms shifted. There was a new era of human isolation. Because people moved out of the rural towns and into cities, they gained a new sense of anonymity. Along with this anonymity came isolation. You no longer knew your neighbors unlike in the past.

Anomie can still happen. Any time there is a great societal shift where people need to learn to adapt you can have anomie.

People are social creatures, we need human interaction.

Answer 2

Humans are social creatures. A little isolation is nice for a change, but most people don't do at all well with prolonged isolation. Like the Tom Hanks character in _Castaway_, they start creating beings with whom they can interact to stave off their loneliness.

Answer 3

The human spirit does not change due to physical mental, or
emotional stimulus, however the mind, body component of a
total human are very much affected by isolation. They can become at best nervous and withdrawn and all the way to
full psychotic even to the point of being catatonic

Answer 4

Isolation oneself from others is very dangerous! This is true because we humans are created with the need of association. Even God a dependant One still has close ones like his dear son, millions of angelic host and more. So why should any of us do so? Isolating yourself can cause emotional problems since we bear yours pains alone. There is much comfort from explaining your problems to others, especially someone who listens and offer meaningful advice.

Answer 5

Good question. Souls were made in pairs (soul mates) so we would never have to be alone. We are attractted to each other not only to mate, but so that we communicate with one another. Fellowship is very important to the soul, we are not ment to be alone. People who isolate typically are not happy within. Although small periods of time to meditate and clear your mind are good.

Answer 6

Loneliness

Answer 7

I think isolation is perfect for the human spirit,
especially if you need to get away and think
about a few things.

Answer 8

Having lived for eight months at a monastery, I found that it affects everyone differently. I, for one felt energized spending large amounts of time alone.

Answer 9

J.P. hit the nail on the head there -- it depends on the person.

For me, it's more infuriating to be with the same small group of people all the time than it is to be all alone. But that's just me.

Answer 10

it chokes the very life out of it. We were made for fellowship with others. Times of isolation is good but always this way is not so good