Loneliness is an Illusion

Author

Jamil Vanheyningen
October 08, 2023

God, he thought in weariness. In what way is this fair? Why am I up here alone like this, being tormented by something I can't even see? And then, within him, the mutual babble of everyone else in fusion broke the illusion of aloneness.

You felt it, too, he thought. Yes, the voices answered. We got hit, on the left arm; it hurts like hell. Okay, he said. We better get started moving again. He resumed walking, and all of them accompanied him immediately.

Phillip K Dick — “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep”

This scene from the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” illustrates Wilbur Mercer’s breakthrough. While climbing a hill, Mercer begins to let his pain overwhelm him and delude him into feeling alone.

But suddenly, he remembered that he wasn’t alone. He felt the presence of countless others, and they affirmed that he was not alone in his pain. They were all going through it.

With this reassurance, he was able to start moving again.

When you think you’re suffering alone, it’s easy to give in. After all, why is it fair to be the only one going through a trial?

But the truth is, whether it be across the world or across time, there are countless amounts of others who have been through what you are currently experiencing.

Mourning the loss of a loved one? Phone a friend who has conquered that feeling.

Struggling to finish your book or build your business? Find a mentor to lead you through the way.

Going through a heartbreak or choosing the right partner? There is an endless amount of books, poems, and art made about both the highs and lows of love!

No matter what it is that you go through, the important thing is to realize that you are only alone when you choose to be. There is always a friend, a mentor, or a teacher within reach.

And beyond that, even if your struggle happens to be unique, the fact that you do struggle is incredibly common. In one way or another, everyone struggles. There is peace in that acceptance, if you choose to see it.

It may not always fix the problem or stop the pain, but as Wilbur Mercer discovered, recognizing that you are not alone helps you move along toward your destiny.

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