The drawbacks—and benefits—of solitude
Three books examine the perils and pleasures of being alone
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, that great coiner, is given credit for the word “lonely”. Coriolanus, one of his heroes, compares going into exile to a “lonely dragon” retreating to his lair. The Roman general was talking about a physical state: someone who was lonely was simply alone.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “All by myself”
Culture April 13th 2024
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