Loneliness is the most common illness in the world,It is also the least understood. Opinions please !?

Question

This is the last quote for today from Richard Wilkins Book . I don`t want to bug people and try their patience.

Thanks Robert C .. i have noted that

Answer 1

Loneliness is like starvation, thirst, sleep deprivation and other things which are about not getting an essential thing that we need. We need company just like we need food, water & sleep but because it's not physical like the other things people don't seem to see it as serious (though it can be).

Just like sleep some people need more contact with other people and some need less. Some can get by on almost none at all and actually prefer that while others need a lot. Just like sleep some people need more than they have and so they feel lonely. Others feel they get too much company and crave for solitude.

Just like insomniacs, some people are lonely because they have a problem reaching out and finding or taking what they need even when the opportunity is there. And just like very busy people who don't get enough sleep time some are lonely because good company just isn't there.

It's a weird thing that most people need the company of other people to feel ok, just like it's a weird thing that talking to other people can ease the emotions. Why just being with people makes such a difference to the way we feel is one of life's mysteries (I think). :D

Answer 2

It is indeed,and how true.I prefer being lonely on my own ,like now, than being lonely within a relationship,like it was during the last 5-6 years of my marriage.
Unfortunately reports say that in about 30 years a stagering 60% of the population will be living on their own.I don't remember if that was about the whole world or just for England.Well it should'nt bother me one way or another,because I dont think I will make it that far,and if I have made it that old I would probably be in Greece,with my little house by the beach and my little fishing boat bobing up and down in the water.....oops,better stop dreaming now and set the table !

Answer 3

I don't like this kind of 'thought for the day' philosophy. They always start with a fiction. In this case, loneliness is not an illness. This renders the rest of the 'thought' senseless.
It is also contradictory. If it is so common, why would it be the least understood??

I've never heard of Richard Wilkins, but can I recommend you try reading genuine thinkers such as Garrison Keillor.

Answer 4

I would never view loneliness as an illness. I have chosen to live on my own and I have never been lonely. I can holiday on my own and I have never been lonely. Suppose everyone differs but many of many friends enjoy their own company at times, and are far from loners. However I do know a few people who could not exist on their own so have ended up living with partners out of loneliness not because they are in love with them.

Answer 5

I live a lonely life, being virtually housebound, yet I am quite content with peace of mind, I do not try to analyze why this should be, so in my case it is not an illness, but people can be lonely in a crowd, by not 'fitting in' with that particular setting, and feel uncomfortable, but I am not sure that it can be an illness per se.

Answer 6

I would not say loneliness is an illness but I think I understand what you are saying there for I would like to thank you for your questions this took some of my loneliness away

Answer 7

The philosophy of the day question is a good way to get started in philosophy. Now for the answer you were looking for, go back and read solar flare again.

Answer 8

hummm interesting. I wonder why the goverment makes money off of alcohol through taxes and gets it's citizens hooked on the only drug that's withdrawal can kill you but won't legalize other drugs.

Answer 9

Sometimes you can be happy & with people & still be lonely because you feel you cannot share your burdens with the people around you.

Answer 10

I agree with the quote..