Solitude is the strength of being alone. It's where we become our

"Solitude is the strength of being alone. It's where we become our best company." These words by Jay Shetty carry within them the profound understanding that true strength is born not in the crowd, but in the quiet, reflective spaces where we find ourselves alone. In solitude, we are forced to confront the depths of our inner world, to face our thoughts, our fears, and our desires without the distractions or influences of others. It is in these moments, when we are removed from the noise of the world, that we have the chance to discover who we truly are. Solitude is not a punishment, but a place where we can cultivate the best version of ourselves, where we can be our own guides and companions.

In the ancient world, philosophers and sages spoke often of the necessity of solitude for the cultivation of wisdom and virtue. The Greek philosophers, especially those like Socrates and Diogenes, understood that true wisdom did not come from the opinions of the masses, but from self-reflection and a deep understanding of one’s own mind. Socrates famously declared, “Know thyself,” and this knowledge could only be achieved in the silence of solitude. It was in these moments of inner stillness that the truth could be seen clearly, without the distortion of society’s expectations or judgments. Solitude, in their view, was the temple of self-discovery, the place where one could come to grips with the depths of the soul and the nature of the world.

This idea resonates deeply in the stories of great hermits and mystics throughout history. Saint Jerome, the great Christian scholar, retreated to the desert to translate the Bible and write his teachings, far from the distractions of civilization. It was in the vast solitude of the desert that his greatest works were created, his spiritual strength nurtured in the quiet, away from the bustle of society. His solitude was not a form of escape, but an active, intentional engagement with the sacred and the truth that lay within him. In this, he embodied what Shetty suggests—that it is in solitude that we become our best company, for in that silence, we encounter the deepest parts of ourselves and our purpose.

The modern world often misinterprets solitude as loneliness or a curse, associating it with isolation and the fear of being abandoned. Yet, solitude can be the birthplace of creativity and personal growth. Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of the 20th century, often sought moments of solitude in his study, where he could ponder the mysteries of the universe without distraction. His theory of relativity, which reshaped our understanding of physics, was born not in the conversations of a bustling society but in the solitary hours spent contemplating the depths of his ideas. Einstein’s solitude allowed him the freedom to explore his mind without the constraints of societal expectations, showing us that it is in solitude that we can truly grow and expand our thinking.

Similarly, in our own lives, we often find that the greatest breakthroughs and moments of clarity come when we step away from the noise and find time for reflection. When we are constantly surrounded by others, by the opinions and demands of the world, we are often pulled away from the most important relationship—the relationship with our own selves. It is in solitude that we learn to listen to our own thoughts, to understand our true desires, and to build the strength to live according to our own values. It is here, in our own company, that we can truly find our inner peace and direction.

The lesson Shetty offers is clear: solitude is not to be feared or avoided. It is a gift, a privilege that allows us to reconnect with ourselves. In a world that often demands constant interaction, solitude allows us the space to grow, to understand, and to recharge. Just as a warrior needs time to rest and reflect before heading back into battle, so too do we need time alone to prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead. We must learn to embrace solitude as a tool for self-mastery and growth, knowing that it is in these moments that we can become our best company and achieve true strength.

Let us take time for solitude in our own lives, not as an escape but as an active engagement with the deepest parts of ourselves. Let us seek the quiet spaces where we can hear our own voice, where we can reconnect with our passions, dreams, and purpose. By doing so, we will find that the greatest source of strength does not come from external validation or the constant noise of the world, but from the peace and clarity we find within. In solitude, we can truly grow, for it is in the quietest moments that we discover our true power.