[One Thousand Characters a Day] Some Solitudes Are Not Lonely <2>

Editor's NoteSolitude is an active act of distancing oneself from the chaotic outside world, as well as a time and space to listen to the inner voice and strengthen the inner self. The unique charm of this book lies in glimpsing how world-renowned writers from different eras and backgrounds?philosophers, poets, novelists, essayists, and women's rights activists?each viewed and dealt with solitude. Michel de Montaigne (1533?1592), a French philosopher, thinker, and essayist, became a magistrate at the age of 24 and was twice appointed mayor of Bordeaux during the late 16th-century religious wars between Catholics and Protestants in France, serving as a mediator. At the age of 38 in 1571, he retired from public office and secluded himself in his own castle, which he called a "fortress," where he wrote the following introduced Essays. Word count: 1009.

Those who have served their country during their most active prime seem to have the best excuse to pursue solitude. Having lived diligently for others until now, at least for the remaining years, let us live peacefully for ourselves! God has freed us from work so that we can prepare to move and control it as we please, so let us pack our bags and leave our friends. No matter how strong the bonds of duty that tie us are, we must break free. And we must sever the ties. We should not become so attached anywhere that part of our body feels torn away when we part.

Now is the time to withdraw from society. Because the time has come when we can no longer contribute to society. Those who are not in a position to lend to others should not borrow either. When strength begins to wane and one can no longer serve the outside world, that strength should be drawn inward and focused on oneself.

In this decline, when one becomes useless and burdensome to others, one must avoid becoming such a person even to oneself! Let us govern ourselves by respecting our reason and conscience so that even a small misstep becomes shameful. Quintilian said, "It is very rare for a person to respect himself sufficiently." Socrates said, "The young must be educated, the middle-aged must do good, and in old age, one must withdraw from all public duties and live according to one's own will."

There are people in the world whose personalities are more suited to seclusion than others. Those who are timid and fearful, possess delicate emotions and sensibilities, and do not easily yield to any bonds tend to adapt more satisfactorily to such changes. I acknowledge that I am such a person. However, those with a more active temperament, who passionately engage in all important matters, will not easily be forgotten or willingly give up the power and benefits that come with high positions. In my opinion, if secondary conditions are pleasing, one should enjoy them, but they should not be the fundamental basis of our happiness.

－Some Solitudes Are Not Lonely, edited by Zachary Seager, translated by Park Sanho, Influential, 16,500 KRW