Man, Either Solitude or Mediocrity

Mr. Schopenhauer once said: “Either solitude or mediocrity.”

Life is about this: you can choose an average and unremarkable existence, or an aimless and unaccomplished one. Yet, deep down, almost everyone desires to live a fulfilling, beautiful, and colorful life. It’s just that some people endlessly yearn for such a life to come to them.

Only those who are alert and grounded will always firmly believe that only by paying the relative price can they fulfill their desires. Choosing solitude means constantly observing, emulating, refining, growing, and transforming oneself from behind the scenes. In solitude, far from mediocrity, one moves towards independence, living a vibrant and diverse life.

Choosing Solitude, Unafraid of Boredom

Zhou Guoping once said: “I find it most relaxing to be in solitude because I don’t find myself boring. Even if I am, I am the one enduring it, without affecting others, without feeling restless.” Many people are controlled solely by their desires, rather than by sober cognition and thoughts for controlling their lives and destinies. As a result, those who satisfy their hormonal desires are always pursuing fleeting happiness.

Those with foresight and vision are usually more inclined to bide their time in the early stages. Subsequently, they bravely choose solitude, refusing to give up easily due to life’s troubles and pressures. Choosing solitude is a courageous way of life, one that is made after attaining a thorough understanding and insight. Such choices usually bear sweeter fruits for those who embrace solitude in the future, granting them a high-quality life and a happy existence, albeit not immediate, but arising from the long years behind them.

The Ability of Solitude

Psychologist Winnicott believed that the ability to be in solitude is one of the most important signs of emotional maturity.

Undoubtedly, being in solitude is a skill. In an age where temptation is rampant, the ability to persist in solitude is not only a skill, but also a form of wisdom. Clearly, someone who cannot be in solitude in the present must be leading a very disorderly life. Either their routines are irregular, or they are mentally disorganized, lacking patience in whatever they do. The direct result is the inability to take care of one’s own life and the impossibility of having healthy relationships in future life, career, and interpersonal relationships.

Philosopher Pascal said: “Almost all of our troubles stem from our inability to leave behind people and things that consume us.”

Learn to be in solitude first, understand and know thyself, and strive to have as objective and comprehensive an understanding of human nature as possible. Try to avoid bringing unnecessary trouble and confusion upon yourself in the years ahead. Ultimately, when you choose solitude, you’re actually laying the groundwork for a more fortunate and vital way of life. At its core, when a person can be in solitude at any time and place, at least their inner world is calm and tranquil. Furthermore, they can increasingly regulate their emotions and maintain a stable mindset, naturally yielding better results in real life. Ultimately, they become more willing to cultivate their character and use their solitary capability to pursue a better life.

Either Solitude or Mediocrity

In essence, to become outstanding and strong in life, one must at least have the ability and wisdom to be in solitude. Clearly, if this cannot be achieved, then there is no need to struggle, as a mundane life is also a form of satisfaction for oneself.

Lin Qingxuan said: “If you want to enjoy peace, the only way is to guard your small world and cleanse your soul. Let go of your attachments, remain calm, unagitated, and unhurried, view the world with a clear mind, live your life with joy, approach emotions with a normal heart, and free yourself from burdens with a soft heart, calmly and gracefully live each day.”

In essence, every person is essentially alone in life. However, not because of loneliness must one renounce solitude. On the contrary, those truly formidable and powerful individuals often prefer solitude, continuously elevating and honing themselves in seclusion. In the end, through their long-term efforts, perseverance, struggle, and transformation, they are able to completely break away from a mediocre life, turning towards a more advanced and higher-quality existence.