Since I was a child; I've always had a penchant for solitude. But like Ron mentioned, I have never been lonely during the seasons I was alone. The way I see it: without solitude, serious work isn't possible. Rules and regulations are found in society, but true inspiration comes only in solitude. You're a wise man, Kent. Peace... rlc

This one resonates with me. I have spent much of my life alone, but not lonely. I've always had something to do to keep my mind occupied positively, like simply mowing the lawn every weekend during the summer taking nearly the whole waking hours. My mind uncluttered by trivial things that I had no control over.

But that does not mean I wasn't socially connected. At those times when I lived alone were some of the best times of my life in terms of socializing with other people and group productivity. My motto was always, work hard (mostly alone) and play hard. During those times of play, putting work completely out of my mind.

Ron

Give me solitude and you can have all the rest of it. There is such a sense of finding oneself in what you describe here, the beauty and benefits of being alone, a thing that some people curiously dread can provide such bliss.