Be Alone, That is When Ideas Are Born

“Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born.”
― Nikola Tesla

How paradoxical life can be, you need both solitude and dependence. However, no matter how much I write about how humans are social creatures, or that you need others in order to thrive in this ever-changing world, I still revert to solitude, like a long lost friend. It's still my number one priority. I think it is the essential component to your health and well-being. This is what you need in order to materialize all the life-changing ideas in you.

I remember when I was on the road, I was constantly meeting new people the whole time. It was fun alright, that was the longest time that I had been with interesting people. But you know when you are traveling, it's not all that sunshine and rainbows. There are times you don't get on with others. There are times you like others only for a certain period of time. It is not that they are not interesting enough for you, you just don't feel the need to be with them anymore. Your preferences expire too. You move on and look forward to another set of people and it can be tiring at some point. You get stuck in your own elite snobbery. That's life on the road for you.

During those nomadic years, I was constantly trying to think of new ideas, things to create, and other ways to survive. The only time I got to think deeply was when I was literally on the road, like waiting for a car or truck to take me to my next destination. I found myself on empty highways and dessert, and those moments were my happiest. The element of danger made solitude like just another form of adventure. Courageously moving towards the unknown on your own.

I found it hard to think when I was constantly surrounded by new people. I mean, too much 'people time' is not such a bad thing. Isn't that what the happy people always preach these days, you need others and all the blah. Sure, much of life's biggest joys stem from relationships. I'm not trying to sound too cynical, but sometimes, too much noise, activity, and hustle can eventually wear you out. And perhaps, make you even feel lonelier than ever.

At this moment, I can attribute my little achievements to my love for solitude. And yes, it wouldn't all be possible if I haven't isolated myself that long. As long as I don't feel lonely the whole time, and that I am genuinely enjoying that alone time in order to be creative, then it is not such a bad thing after all. In this day and age, the world is full of distraction. There's just too much noise and activities all happening at the same time. You watch the tele, go to the cinema, work, shop, go, get, consume and consume more, at the end of the day, you barely even have time to think. You barely have time to make way for new ideas that might possibly change your life, and even the world. It appears like the modern society does not need yet another thinker, it's just not profitable for the monolithic corporations.

I think you can be easily influenced when you are constantly surrounded by people. You tend to follow the crowd and the norm. When you start appreciating solitude, you give way to unique ideas. You give way to creativity and productivity. This is the reason artists, musicians, inventors, and writers always seek solitude when they want to create something. A quiet space is really necessary. A secluded studio or a private place allows them to be more creative. Being alone fosters creativity.

As for me, if I am to do something great on my own, I definitely have to be alone, at least for the time being. It is not that I no longer want to open my heart to relationships or close friendships, it is just mentally taxing to get into that whole new chapter, especially that I don't work well with another human. I just can't afford to get into that for now. I can't imagine accommodating someone else in my routine or make some big adjustment in my life. Sure, I want to be inspired in some other way too. But the fact that I could go on without getting distracted by some momentary loneliness is enough reason that I am inspired enough to create something beautiful in this life.