[cryptozeus]

May be not a popular opinion but I think we feel happier when we spend friends because it helps us forget about ourselves and inner dialogues. I don’t mean it in a sad or depressing way but our mind chatters all the time and it’s exhausting for the body’s resources.

Spending time with others gives us break from that.

[chewz]

All of man’s problems stem from his inability to sit quietly in a room alone. -Blaise Pascal

[rimliu]

I was not aware of this quote and I don't really think that all problems are caused by this, but I did notice the said inability. It's is astonishing how people are unable to be in silence and with themselves. The constant need for some drowning noise: radio, TV, Youtube, just headphones with some music 100% of the time they are awake. As if they are afraid to hear something unpleasant if it becomes quiet for a minute.

I, otoh, find it very meditative. And my recent hobby/passion/activity are the long (in time and duration walks— 30-100km). These are organized events, so lots of people go, sometimes in thousands (most choose shorter distances though), but I go alone and it is so… healing(?) experience. For 5-18 hours you are just with yourself and your thoughts. There is nothing you can do, just walk. Sure, one can listen to audiobooks or music, but I choose not to—it spoils the experience somehow.

[cryptozeus]

Its a good quote but I don’t think society and world can support this. Why is there a room to begin with and why do you have to be forced to sit down in it. Completely counter intuitive. Same reason why meditation works for those 20 min.

[chewz]

It is just a quote from Pascal's Thoughts so more like haiku or ad hoc observation then a commandment.

You don't need to sit 24 hours alone in an empty room - you just should be able to - this is my interpretation.

It is like '- Master, how long should I meditate? - 20 minutes is enough. - But I don't have time for that. - If you don't have time then meditate for one hour.'