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5. Time Alone
“In stillness lives wisdom. In quiet, you’ll find peace. In solitude, you’ll remember yourself. ” — Robin Sharma, Canadian writer
Every great mind we’ve looked at in this article, from philosophers to scientists to spiritual leaders, all have one thing in common — they love to spend time alone.
Whether it’s playing the violin and solving math equations, sitting in a cross-legged position, or writing texts that will last for centuries, time alone is a fundamental part of the life of every great mind. There, they can confront and examine their minds and ideas with a fine-toothed comb.
Every wise person can spend time alone because they’ve attained a level of self-mastery.
Shallow-minded people, on the other hand, will quickly get something to distract themselves from their thoughts and ideas. Boredom is their greatest enemy. Arthur Schopenhauer puts it this way in The Wisdom of Life:
“An intellectual man in complete solitude has excellent entertainment in his own thoughts and fancies. While no amount of diversity or social pleasure, theaters, excursions, and amusements, can ward off boredom from a dullard.”
Of course, loving to spend time outside doesn’t make a person unwise. We all have our natural predilections.
However, being able to deliberately carve out time to be alone and enjoy your own company without quickly looking for a distraction, shows a level of self-mastery, and wisdom.
In conclusion
True wisdom will make you a positive force for yourself and those around you. It doesn’t boast and condemn. It’s characterized by:
- Humility
- Openness
- Rational choices
- Self-mastery
- Stillness.
Read: 6 Signs You’re Secretly Charming
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