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Where do you get your meaning from? Thinking about loneliness with Hannah Arendt

Where do you get your meaning from? Thinking about loneliness with Hannah Arendt | Physical and Mental Health - Exercise, Fitness and Activity | Scoop.it
When we think about loneliness we often associate it with a feeling. But for the philosopher Hannah Arendt, loneliness is a way of thinking — or, better put, it is a way of not thinking at all.
Ramon Antonio Matta (Content Done Write)'s curator insight, November 26, 2023 11:37 AM

Arendt believes that loneliness is not only a feeling but a cognitive state that disconnects us from meaningful engagement and understanding of the world. This mental state hinders our connection with others and the world around us.

Meaning is derived from sharing experiences and perceptions through storytelling, allowing us to make sense of the world and our place in it. By weaving narratives from our experiences, we actively participate in creating meaning. Arendt cautions against adopting prefabricated ideologies as it can lead to a loss of self-trust and personal experiences and result in loneliness. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining independent thinking even in challenging times to preserve autonomy and avoid disconnecting from ourselves.

Thinking is an active process of weaving stories from our experiences to understand the world. Loneliness represents a "closing of the mind" where individuals are cut off from this process of making meaning. Arendt's perspective underscores the necessity of maintaining an open mind, engaging with diverse perspectives, and actively participating in creating signification.

Hannah Arendt's perspective on loneliness, thinking, and finding meaning highlights the importance of critical thinking, independent judgment, and active engagement with the world. By sharing experiences and engaging in storytelling, we derive meaning and establish connections with others, reinforcing the significance of thinking actively to avoid isolation and maintain a sense of self in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Physical and Mental Health - Exercise, Fitness and Activity
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