Some people seem unable to function without daily social interaction, while others can go weeks without seeing a human being, and are perfectly fine. How do we manage loneliness?

Still, we cannot ignore that many studies show us that people with lots of social connections are, in general, happier. And looking at human behavior, on the whole, we could say that, from a default position, we always tend to look for a connection with fellow humans.

Thus, it seems that the desire for social interaction, in one form or another, is ingrained in human nature through all stages of life. However, there’s more to loneliness than an inborn need for connection (or the lack thereof). The intellectual side of loneliness is often overlooked: meaning that we hardly realize that loneliness stems, for a great part, from how we think.

This video explores different views on how to manage loneliness and proposes possible antidotes based on ancient philosophy. These philosophies are mainly geared towards acceptance and transcendence.

NOTE: The 'antidotes' in this video are probably more suitable for people who experience loneliness from time to time, but not in ways that severely affect their mental health. If you're really in a dark place, please contact a mental health professional.

How to be happy alone?

Further learning:

- Excellent video about Epictetus' 'forlornness' by Dr. Sadler (who was my source in this case): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMqtn3pQ1Ts
- Buddhist lecture by Ajahn Brahm about loneliness and solitude: https://youtu.be/3e-XqXPvmFo

Cuts, voice, footage, script by Einzelgänger. I also used Creative Commons and licensed material from Storyblocks (links available upon request).

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Music used:

Jesse Gallagher - The Inner Sound
Jesse Gallagher - Thin Places

Creative Commons (attributions):

Zeus statue: https://upload.wikimedia.org/w....ikipedia/commons/thu
Jean-Paul Sartre: https://upload.wikimedia.org/w....ikipedia/commons/7/7
Buddha painting: https://upload.wikimedia.org/w....ikipedia/commons/thu
Buddha photo Hemis: https://upload.wikimedia.org/w....ikipedia/commons/thu

#loneliness #lonely #acceptance