Loneliness is the ultimate poverty.
Abigail Van Buren
There is nothing worse in life than feeling lonely and deserted; than having no one or nowhere to turn to in times of distress. In fact, contrary to popular belief, loneliness can make its presence felt in both good and bad times. It probably stings a lot more when you have nobody to share your accomplishments with than when you do not have a shoulder to cry on. And it is not just the vast range of emotions that solitude transcends. It is also a great leveler in that it does not discriminate between the rich and poor. It probably hurts the affluent, who are blessed with all the wealth and material possessions one could wish for, more than it does the destitute.
That is why human relations matter more than material belongings. However, the rat race in the twenty-first century has pushed friends and family into the backseat. While this has created more success-oriented and driven individuals, cases of depression have also experienced an unprecedented hike. It is almost as though everyone is in such haste to get to the top of the mountain that once they do get there, they have nobody to share that moment of joy with.
The key is to strike a balance between our emotional and professional lives. Setting our priorities right and planning accordingly can go a long way in helping us succeed without distancing ourselves from our near and dear ones. That way, we can avoid the solitude that often leads to long-term depression. After all, what does success matter if it cuts you off from the people that actually care for you? What value does a lavish house have if it does not feel like home? The words of the well-known American radio show host, Abigail Van Buren, are quite relevant here: “Loneliness is the ultimate poverty.”