Time and space - time to be alone, space to move about - these

"Time and space - time to be alone, space to move about - these may well become the great scarcities of tomorrow." These wise words by Edwin Way Teale speak to a profound and often unspoken truth about the future of humanity. As our world grows ever more connected, ever more crowded, we find that the very luxuries that once defined human experience—solitude and freedom of movement—are being eroded. In a world where the demands of modern life pull at us relentlessly, where time is measured by the minute and space is shrinking beneath the weight of technological progress and population growth, the simple ability to find solitude and freedom may become the rarest of commodities.

The ancient philosophers knew the importance of both time and space. The great Socrates, whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom, often sought solitude to reflect and engage in philosophical inquiry. His teachings came not from the crowds but from quiet moments of reflection and dialogue with a select few. Plato echoed this in his works, suggesting that true knowledge could only be attained through contemplation and a deep connection with the self—a connection that requires time and space, free from the distractions of the external world. These ancient minds recognized that without the ability to retreat into solitude, the soul could not find clarity, nor could the individual find the space to grow.

In the Middle Ages, the idea of retreating from the world to find solace and spiritual renewal was central to monastic life. Monks and nuns sought refuge in monasteries and convents, where time was dedicated to prayer, reflection, and the cultivation of inner peace. Their lives were a testament to the importance of seclusion—a sanctuary where they could withdraw from the noise of the world and focus on their spiritual journey. The very essence of spiritual growth in these times was dependent on time to be alone and space to move about in quiet contemplation. Today, such moments of retreat are rare, as the world grows louder and faster, and the spaces once dedicated to solitude become increasingly overrun with the demands of modernity.

Yet, Teale’s words are not merely a lament for the past, but a warning for the future. In our rapidly modernizing world, where technology continually advances, we are confronted with the paradox of unprecedented connection and simultaneous isolation. Our smartphones, though designed to connect us to others, also keep us inundated with information, leaving little room for the quiet moments needed for personal reflection and growth. Our cities swell with population, and the once spacious landscapes of nature are increasingly replaced with buildings, roads, and urban sprawl. The space to move about, once taken for granted, is becoming ever more confined, and time—the most precious of commodities—is consumed by the rush of the modern world.

In the 20th century, the workaholic culture of the industrialized world exemplified this shift. Figures like Henry Ford, while revolutionizing the way we produce goods, also epitomized a society that valued productivity over personal time and space. People worked longer hours, crowded into cities, and found themselves competing for limited space and time. This, in turn, led to a spiritual vacuum, where the pressures of society left little room for inner reflection or personal peace. Teale’s foresight about the scarcity of time and space is echoed in the burnout and exhaustion so prevalent in the modern age. We have gained much in terms of technology and progress, but we have lost the luxury of peaceful solitude and freedom of movement.

Yet, there is a lesson to be learned from Teale’s insight. We must not allow modernity to rob us of the sacred time to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. We must carve out moments of stillness, despite the demands of work and society, and protect the space for thought, reflection, and growth. Just as ancient sages withdrew from the noise of society to find wisdom, so must we make time for silence, for contemplation, and for the freedom to walk freely through nature, unburdened by the constant pull of modern distractions.

To navigate the future, we must reclaim our time and space. This means setting boundaries—ensuring that we make time for solitude and moments of quiet reflection, even in a world that demands our attention at every turn. It means creating spaces—both physical and mental—where we are free from the constant pressure of obligations and expectations. In doing so, we will find a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and the inner strength needed to thrive in the modern world. Just as the ancients understood the value of time and space, so must we. In this, we will find balance and peace amidst the chaos of modern life.