The Philosophy of Aloneness
“We are born alone, we die alone”
While the notion that we are inherently alone from birth to death carries a certain existential weight, it dismisses the profound reality of human connection. The relationships we form are not mere illusions or hallucinations; they are meaningful interactions that shape our lives, provide support, and enrich our existence. The joy, love, and companionship we experience are not simply distractions from loneliness but are essential aspects of what it means to be human. To suggest that we should rejoice in isolation overlooks the beauty and significance of shared experiences and the bonds we create with others. Nor is it true that we come into this world alone! How can we be alone, having been born through the love of our parents coming in union, ultimately by our beloved Mom, who bore all pains to give birth to us? Our everyday life is filled with connections that are real, tangible, and deeply impactful. We are never truly alone unless we choose to ignore the presence and importance of those around us.
Some people form bonds that transcend mere companionship and become integral parts of their lives. These connections can be so profound that withstand the test of time and distance, creating a sense of unity and support that defies the notion of isolation. In fact, some relationships are so special that they create a bond which, once formed, can never truly be broken. These enduring connections provide a source of strength, understanding, and love that persists despite life’s challenges.
Rather than viewing human connection as an escape from solitude, it should be embraced as proof to the meaningful, enduring ties we forge with others. These relationships demonstrate that while solitude is an undeniable reality, at least for some people, or for us all in a specific ime span, our capacity to form and nurture deep, lasting connections is a fundamental and beautiful aspect of our shared humanity.
Besides, since ancient time it has been known that humans are bound to be together, let alone in an era of interconnectedness through the breakthroughs of advanced technology.
Aristotle’s assertion that “man is by nature a social animal” fundamentally contradicts the notion that we are inherently alone and that our connections with others are merely illusions. Aristotle argued that humans are not just inclined to form communities and relationships, but that these bonds are essential to our very nature and flourishing. According to him, those who can live alone, without society, must be either a “beast” (because they lack the social nature that defines humanity) or a “god” (because they are self-sufficient and perfect in a way humans are not).
In Aristotle’s view, relationships, friendships, and communal life are not illusions or distractions from an inherent solitude but are instead natural expressions of our deepest needs and purposes. Human beings achieve their highest potential and happiness through participation in society, contributing to and receiving from the community. Therefore, the idea that we should “rejoice” in our solitude contradicts Aristotle’s belief that true human flourishing comes from being in relation to others.
However, there can come moments when one might feel truly alone, even in the midst of a crowd, and times when solitude can be an inescapable reality. This feeling of loneliness, despite being surrounded by others, highlights the complexity of human experience. It suggests that simply being in the presence of others does not always fulfill our deeper need for connection and understanding, thus we need to differentiate the notions of “being alone” and “feeling lonely”.
Aristotle’s view that humans are inherently social beings doesn’t deny the existence of loneliness but instead emphasizes that our fulfillment often depends on meaningful relationships, not just physical proximity to others. Loneliness can occur when these relationships lack depth, authenticity, or mutual understanding, even if we are not physically alone. Therefore, what seems to matter most is the connectedness of people on the deeper level of soul bonding, which is the quintessence of the power of human interconnectedness.
At the same time, the notion that we are born alone and die alone touches on the inescapable reality that certain experiences in life are deeply personal and cannot be fully shared with others. These moments can bring a sense of isolation, reminding us of our individual journey through life. However, rather than seeing these moments as proof of our fundamental solitude, they can also be seen as opportunities to understand and embrace our own uniqueness, while still seeking and valuing the connections that enrich our lives.
In essence, while we may face moments of loneliness, Aristotle would argue that our nature drives us to overcome this through the pursuit of genuine, fulfilling relationships. These connections are not illusions but essential components of a meaningful human existence. We hence can conclude that we are truly alone only when we allow to this emotion to wholly consume us
Sreekanth Kopuri is an Indian poet, current poetry editor of Kitchen Sink Magazine, Alumni Writer in Residence, Athens and a Professor of English from Machilipatnam, India. He recited his poetry in University of Oxford, John Hopkins University, University of Florida, Heinrich Heine University, University of Gdanski and many others. His poems appeared in Arkansas Review, Christian Century, A Honest Ulsterman, Chicago Memory House, Heartland Review, Lannang Archives, Tulsa Review, Expanded Field, A New Ulster, The Rational Creature, Nebraska Writers Guild, Poetry Centre San Jose, Underground Writers Association, Athereon Review, Word Fountain, Synaeresis, Wend Poetry, Vayavya, Ann Arbor Review to mention a few and are forthcoming in many. His book Poems of the Void was the winner of Golden Book of the year 2022 & finalist for the Eyelands Books Award Greece, 2019. He is the recipient of Immanuel Kant Award for his collection of poems on Silence 2020. An independent research scholar in Contemporary Poetry, Silence, and Holocaust poetry, he is presently working on his research work “Silence in Contemporary Ecopoetics of Transcendence”. He lives in his hometown Machilipatnam with his mother.