“Loneliness is to solitude what a beat-up old Volkswagen is to a new Rolls-Royce: You can live through the ride, but it doesn’t do much for your peace of mind, which is what is at stake here. More than anything else, solitude is about achieving peace of mind, tranquility of spirit and clarity of thought. Loneliness is random; solitude is ritual. Loneliness is black coffee and late-night television; solitude is herb tea and soft music. Solitude, quality solitude, is an assertion of self-worth, because only in the stillness can we hear the truth of our own unique voices.” — Pearl Cleage
