Thinking Through Loneliness

The paradox of loneliness is that it can make us feel exposed and vulnerable, while also being unseen by others. Thinking Through Loneliness explores the ambiguities of being alone, looking beyond loneliness as a collective health crisis to consider what it tells us about our need for one another. It examines the contradictions of the human condition, such as our desire for individuality and intimacy, and how loneliness can be an inescapable dimension of human existence but also a collective symptom of social failure. Enns argues that it is crucial to recognize the structural conditions that give rise to isolation and work to undermine them, preserving all that is best about human social life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The peculiar paradox of loneliness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a range of emotions and experiences. It manifests as a sense of being unseen yet exposed, as if one's most intimate suffering were on public display, despite the world's reluctance to acknowledge its existence. By delving into the author's personal journey, alongside narratives from others and insights from thinkers such as Arendt and Berardi, Thinking Through Loneliness explores the ambiguities of being alone. This book seeks to challenge the reductionist tendencies of current loneliness experts, who view loneliness solely as a collective health crisis. Instead, it encourages us to look beyond loneliness as a mere symptom and consider what it reveals about our deep-seated need for connection and companionship.

Our social needs are diverse, and understanding loneliness requires us to delve into the contradictions of the human condition. We exist as individuals while also being part of a larger collective, experiencing both separation and attachment. To be lonely is to yearn for close relationships with others, yet it can also stem from a desire for solitude and independence. Diane Enns explores the inescapable dimension of loneliness as both a personal and societal phenomenon. She argues that while loneliness may be an inherent aspect of human existence, it is also a collective symptom of social failure. The rapid transformations brought about by digital technology and changes in our work, love, social interactions, and living arrangements have contributed to the isolation that fuels loneliness.

Enns emphasizes the importance of recognizing the structural conditions that perpetuate loneliness, including economic inequality, political polarization, institutional biases, and technological advancements. By addressing these underlying factors, we can work towards undermining them while preserving the best aspects of human social life. This involves promoting inclusivity, empathy, and meaningful connections, both within individual relationships and within society as a whole.

Thinking Through Loneliness offers a valuable exploration of the complexities of loneliness, challenging us to reevaluate our relationships, societal structures, and personal desires. It encourages us to embrace the richness of human connection and work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive world where loneliness is reduced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350279742