Ralph Waldo Emerson on solitude

The great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.

Recommended reading: The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Parker Palmer on solitude

Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self. It is not about the absence of other people – it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others. Community does not necessarily mean living face-to-face with others; rather, it means never losing the awareness that we are connected to each other. It is not about the presence of other people – it is about being fully open to the reality of relationship, whether or not we are alone.

Louise Bourgeois on trust and love

You are born alone. You die alone. The value of the space in between is trust and love.

Dreams

Laying awake in a peaceful night
I saw your eyes… reflecting mine
You sat peacefully by an old tree
In a year to come, a dream yet to be
Words meet at the edge of a verse
Hearts beat at the sound of one
I’m right here, you’re way over there…
But our distance makes no difference
‘Cause we’ll meet in my sleep, darling
Tonight we’ll dance, and forget the world
Tomorrow I’ll tell you all about it.

Franz Kafka on reality

Reality is never and nowhere more accessible than in the immediate moment of one’s own life. It’s only there that it can be won or lost.

Recommended reading: Franz Kafka: The Complete Stories.

E.E. Cummings on emotions

Anybody can learn to think, or believe, or know, but not a single human being can be taught to feel…the moment you feel, you’re nobody but yourself.

Recommended reading: E. E. Cummings: Complete Poems, 1904-1962.

Jim Morrison on pain

People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullsh*t. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.

Recommended reading: Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison, Volume 1.