The Dark Side of Loneliness

Is loneliness a preference, or is it driven by what life brings—or fails to bring? In my view, loneliness is not chosen; yes, there are moments when solitude is desired or needed. No one willingly chooses to eat alone, entertain alone, or live alone. We often hear that people from large families wish to be alone because they are overwhelmed by the noise and bustle. Yet they do not realize that the greatest hardship lies in being alone amidst crowds. To whom does a person truly belong? To the home where they were born, or the city where they live? A person belongs where they are loved, respected, and understood.

Humanity has endured every hardship, yet it has never overcome indifference and loneliness. When a person is ill or faces a tragedy, they always wish for someone to be by their side. Because, by nature, humans need another breath. Sometimes we say that for some, mere presence is enough—what does this mean? It means trust. It means sensing that person’s breath, their spirit, their deepest inner being. When that person leaves your life, you feel a vast emptiness. From that moment on, you begin to struggle with their absence. The loneliness that begins here is captivating, because you know that now, in the face of life’s difficulties, you are entirely on your own.

You begin doing everything yourself and constantly feel you must be strong. But you grow tired; you merely skim the surface of life. Of course, a person can live alone and even be happy—they have their own rhythm and choose this state. Yet the hearts of those forced into loneliness are always broken. In this vast world, they always harbor a rebellion, asking why they were not loved, why they were dismissed.

When I examined the past lives of individuals inclined toward crime or those who had committed crimes, I observed that they lacked family structure and that their environment and friendships had a profound impact on them. These individuals tried to relieve their anger toward life by breaking and venting it. If only everyone were loved—people could endure poverty, but they have been defeated by indifference and being looked down upon. Yet it should not be so difficult for one human to love another. Without conditions, without calculation, perhaps by finding reasons to love them—but loving them despite everything...