Jefferson on the Dangers of Solitude

Solitude has many benefits, spiritually and generally. But it can also have negative effects.

Thomas Jefferson knew the downsides of solitude first hand.

After an extended season of retreat at Monticello, Jefferson wrote:

“I am convinced our own happiness requires that we should continue to mix with the world, and to keep pace with it…. I can speak from experience on the subject. From 1793 to 1797, I remained closely at home, saw none but those who came there, and at length became very sensible of the ill effect it had upon my own mind, and of its direct and irresistible tendency to render me unfit for society, and uneasy when necessarily engaged in it. I felt enough of the effect of withdrawing from the world then to see that it led to an antisocial and misanthropic state of mind, which severely punishes him who gives in to it; and it will be a lesson I never shall forget as to myself.” (Jefferson letter cited in John Adams, McCullough, p. 451)

Jefferson describes well the danger of extensive solitude. It can spiral into an antisocial downward loop. Solitude can beget more solitude, becoming almost addictive (Long & Averill, 2003).

Like other remedies, the dose is the difference between medicine and poison.

Dose your solitude wisely.

—

Sources

Long, C. R., & Averill, J. R. (2003). Solitude: An Exploration of Benefits of Being Alone. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 33(1), 21–44. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5914.00204

McCullough, D. (2002). John Adams. Simon & Schuster.