Some people can spend days, weeks, months in thier imagination without needing human interaction. Storr looks at this phenomenon. I found it to be very reassuring as I can be by myself for weeks before I need to interact with people. ( )

pretty good book.

His argument is that Solitude can be and often is a positive force in one's life, and offers rewards at least as satisfying as finding a mate. It resonated with me as a single man in my 30s--I'm now a 60-year-old bachelor, and I find it to be on the money. ( )

Anthony Storr contrasts the significance of human relationships with the power of solitude in this engaging look at the nature of solitude. The importance of the impersonal part of the human condition and its value for creativity and life is the message of Storr's thoughtful meditation and exegesis. On a voyage consisting of twelve chapters or excursions into the variety of solitude and its meaning the author considers aspects from the "hunger of the imagination" to the "search for coherence" in one's life with digressions into depression and its counterparts. Containing a wealth of references to writers from Plato to Freud (plus artists and other creative types) the book uses examples of creativity and healthy living that have flourished in solitude. While the creative among us have contributed to the benefit of all, Storr suggests that everyone can benefit from some moments of solitude, if not a life based upon it. The desire for human companionship is important, but it should not exclude a realization and participation in moments of solitude. This book expands the possibility for human flourishing by considering the impersonal side of our human nature. ( )

British psychiatrist challenges established belief (in 1988 when pub.) that interpersonal relationships are the chief if not the only source of happiness. Makes the case for solitary activity as indispensible in living a full creative life. ( )