“One of my favorite Philosophers, Soren Kierkegaard, once said this: “Its in the presence of people, that I find my love of solitude. And, its in my time of solitude, I find my love of people.” I find this statement, as an introvert, remarkably true. Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book Life Together makes wonderful notes about what it means to be in community. He points out that perfect silence brings perfect speech. As well, that a person who cannot handle being alone, ought not be in community. Yet, sometimes they need community to figure that out.”

The passage above comes from Mike Friesen’s blog, via a post about why introverts need community.

I think I tend to exhibit characteristics that could be considered both introverted and extroverted. But if I absolutely had to label myself, I would probably choose introvert for the mere fact that I tend to dislike small talk (a lot!) and instead prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations.

However, I’m in complete concordance with Mike when he says that he could essentially spend all day alone, reading, writing, listening to music etc…but would eventually feel an urge from within pulling him to be in communion with others.

I think one of Mike’s commenters, Adam, put it very well: “All people of all time were created for both solitude and community. We dichotomise the two ways too much, assuming that if we thrive on solitude (as I do), that more of it is the answer and that the opposite (community) must be unnecessary or even detrimental.”

Tags:communityextroversionfortress of solitudeintroversionMike Friesen