Quotes about Solitude

It is almost impossible in the thought climate of today's Western world to appreciate just how utterly unnecessary it was for Paul to say explicitly, in the world in which he lived, that Christians should fast, be alone, study, give, and so forth as regular disciplines for the spiritual life.

But—for good reasons rooted deeply in the nature of the person and of personal relationships—his preferred way is to speak, to communicate: thus the absolute centrality of scripture to our discipleship. And this, among other things, is the reason why an extensive use of solitude and silence is so basic for growth of the human spirit, for they form an appropriate context for listening and speaking to God.

Set aside days to spend alone with God to seek his face and to imagine that face shining with joy as it looks at you. As the ancient Jewish benediction puts it: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you [look right at you] And give you peace. (NUM. 6:24—26)

I am left alone in the wide world. My own dear family I have buried: one in Rangoon, and two in Amherst. What remains for me but to hold myself in readiness to follow the dear departed to that blessed world, 'Where my best friends, my kindred dwell, where God, my Saviour, reigns.'

Be good and you will be lonely.

One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is time alone with God.

He [Calvin Coolidge] is the first president to discover that what the American people want is to be left alone.

Because I cannot work except in solitude, it is necessary that I live my work and that is impossible except in solitude.

I get a friend to travel with me... I need somebody to bring me back to who I am. It's hard to be alone.

Because of their enmity you will be left alone. They will cast you out and forsake you.

Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

It's far better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone — so far.