Weird people follow you in the streets, you can't sit alone in a

"Weird people follow you in the streets, you can't sit alone in a restaurant or a café and read a book in peace, and I think everybody values those moments of being alone." These words spoken by Winona Ryder speak to a deeper truth, one that has echoed through the ages—the longing for solitude in a world that constantly demands our attention. In every corner of history, from the quiet contemplations of great philosophers to the silent musings of artists, there has been an unspoken need for moments alone, a need to be untethered from the gaze of others, free to explore the depths of one's own soul. Yet, as Ryder laments, in a world of constant observation, even the simplest pleasures of solitude are increasingly hard to find.

Consider, if you will, the philosopher Socrates, who spent much of his time wandering the streets of Athens, engaging in deep conversation with those he met. Yet, despite his public nature, he sought solace in his inner thoughts—he valued the time when he could be alone with his mind, when the distractions of the world were momentarily shut out. Solitude was his refuge, the place where true wisdom could be distilled. Like him, we too have moments where the cacophony of the world grows overwhelming, and we yearn for a space to reflect, to breathe, to exist without the burden of others' expectations or the intrusion of curious eyes.

In every era, artists have longed for these sacred moments of solitude. Take, for example, the great Vincent van Gogh—whose paintings, full of raw emotion, were born in the quiet solitude of his own mind. He, too, could not escape the intrusion of others; yet he found his purpose not in the noise of the world, but in the silence that allowed him to create. Van Gogh’s struggles were many, yet it was in those moments of being alone, when the world fell away, that his genius emerged. He painted his most powerful works in moments when the world left him undisturbed, and the brush became an extension of his very being. Solitude nurtures the soul, and within its embrace, greatness can be born.

But why, one might ask, does solitude hold such value? It is not simply a matter of physical distance from others—it is the freedom it grants to the spirit. When alone, we are not subjected to the opinions, judgments, or expectations of those around us. We are free to be our true selves, untethered from the roles we play in society. It is in this freedom that creativity flourishes, where clarity of thought can reign supreme. The mind, when left to its own devices, can dive deep into the mysteries of existence, revealing truths that might remain hidden in the clamor of everyday life. The greatest discoveries, whether in art, science, or philosophy, have often been made in moments of quiet reflection, where the mind was allowed to wander unfettered.

Think of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who spent long stretches of time in solitude, walking through the quiet woods or sitting in a simple room, contemplating the depths of existence. His poetry, rich with emotion and insight, was born from this need for solitude. To be alone is not to be lonely, but to be free—free to engage with one’s own thoughts, to experience the world without the external noise. Rilke’s work speaks of the beauty and necessity of solitude, the space where one can connect with the innermost parts of the self and with the world at large. His words remind us that solitude is not a retreat from life, but a vital part of embracing it.

In the modern age, as Winona Ryder so poignantly observes, the value of solitude is increasingly under siege. We live in a world where everyone is constantly connected, where our every move is observed and commented upon, and where even the simplest act of sitting in peace—perhaps with a book or in quiet reflection—becomes an act of rebellion. The intrusion of others, the relentless need for attention, can make us feel as though there is no space left for ourselves. The noise of modern life crowds in, and we are left longing for a moment of peace, a brief interlude of quiet where we can reconnect with our own essence.

So, what is the lesson for us in these words? We must reclaim our solitude. It is not a luxury or an indulgence; it is a necessity for our very well-being. In this fast-paced world, we must set boundaries and create sacred spaces for ourselves—places where we can be alone with our thoughts, our creativity, and our peace. Take moments to retreat into the quiet, to read a book without interruption, to walk without the gaze of others upon you. In these moments, we reconnect with our deepest selves and find the clarity that can guide us through the storm of life.

Let us follow in the footsteps of those who have come before us—Socrates, Van Gogh, and Rilke—and remember that solitude is not an escape, but a return to the soul. It is in those moments of quiet reflection that we hear the whispers of wisdom, that we find the clarity needed to navigate the noise of the world. So, make time for yourself, protect your moments of stillness, and in doing so, you will not only protect your peace but unlock the deepest reservoirs of your own potential.