Loneliness

by Clark E. Moustakas

Drawing from his personal experiences, the author explains ways in which an awareness of loneliness leads to individual growth and an understanding of communication and genuine love

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy

146 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Andrew McHenry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's chief inspiration clearly draws from the hospitalization of the author's daughter, some ensuing medical crises including severe seizures, and both his emotional reaction and his insights into the feelings of his daughter and other hospitalized children. The central thematic thrust is that there is redemptive value in this suffering. Loneliness is intrinsic to the human experience. If we can experience it and face up to it, we can better understand ourselves -- and that whole cycle then teaches us how to live.

A lot of the content is narrative, rather than psychological theory - which was a bit of a surprise to me. Besides his own experiences, Moustakas draws on historical figures - both those who were highly celebrated (Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson) and others who were scorned (Alger Hiss, Whitaker Chambers).

While this book is not deliberately anti-religious, I found it frustrating that his presentation was thoroughly non-theistic. He never addresses the sentiments of those of us who believe in the continual presence of the Holy Spirit, of the presence of the Father with us even as other abandon us (e.g John 16:32b), and of the presence of Christ with His church. He did, however, engage some scripture selections (from Ecclesiastes and Job) in a couple places.

Nonetheless, this was a beneficial read. I can see how it would be helpful for anticipating/preparing for the lonely experiences of life. Don't run from them; absorb them - and let the experience shape you positively.

[Joel Cuthbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I find this stuff? I don't even recall. But I'm a sucker for some strange, worn, thoughtful text that explores some aspect of introspection or contemplation. This one comes from a humanist psychologist who clearly has quite a passion for the human experience. It's quite of its time with some references to "Encounter Groups" which sound like a strange radical exposure therapy that only really makes sense in the more experimental era of the 60s-70s. Nevertheless, there are some wonderful passages here about the necessity of loneliness as it comes to self-definition and self-discovery.

I have, as of late, been on quite a kick exploring philosophical explorations of love (mostly romantic) in hopes of solving the riddle of my sillie heart. This sheds some light in that direction but is more about the profound tension in all people to be connected while also feeling separated. It speaks a great deal to the creative inner journey that all of us must go on. "The shortest and longest journey" that takes one into one's very self. It's one fraught with longing and loneliness, but if done well, it creates in us a great capacity to love the other.

This book is a bit disjointed, a bit indulgent, but frankly, it feels like the kind of book I hope to one day write, which too, may likely get forgotten and then be picked up by some poor soul 50 years later to help carry a bit of the ache that comes with living in this great wilderness we call life.

Grateful for finding it, and for it's walking a few miles in my company.

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome