The Paradox of Isolation and Freedom: Foundations of Personal Autonomy

In the modern world, the contradictory notions of loneliness and freedom are not merely philosophical exercises but a reality of personal autonomy. On one hand, a period of separation from familiar society can be perceived as a painful feeling of alienation that leaves the known world behind. On the other hand, this very seclusion can open up an infinite space for self-discovery and profound inner growth, offering a chance to shed imposed social norms and form unique values.

Free from constant social pressure, we are able to look at ourselves and our desires from a new perspective, recognizing our true “self.” However, freedom is often accompanied by the necessity to choose, and this continuous process of self-determination can sometimes turn into an unexpected burden of responsibility. Paradoxically, expanded possibilities can sometimes lead to a sense of limitation, where every decision demands effort to liberate oneself from the ongoing need to choose.

Thus, loneliness and freedom are not mutually exclusive concepts but rather companions on the path to self-realization. It is important to understand that even in moments of detachment from society, there lies the potential for deep personal growth—the opportunity to rethink one’s priorities, discover the true source of inner strength, and achieve genuine autonomy. This dynamic process of balancing solitude with interaction becomes the foundation of a truly free and conscious life.

How do the feelings of isolation and the sense of freedom relate, and can they be seen as an integral part of personal autonomy?

The feeling of isolation and the sense of freedom have a complex, ambiguous relationship, as revealed through the experience of personal autonomy. On one hand, isolation can be perceived as alienation, a painful disconnection from the surrounding world; on the other hand, it offers the chance to detach from everyday social monotony in order to attain a more authentic “self.” It is precisely this dual nature of loneliness that demonstrates how separation from a habitual social context provides an opportunity for the soul’s growth—when the individual periodically breaks away from societal conventions to reformat their inner life and establish personal values.

For example, one source states:

"Absolute loneliness is hell and non-being; it cannot be conceived positively, it can only be thought of negatively. Relative loneliness, however, is not merely a disease and is not marked solely by negativity. It can also be associated with a positive sign, potentially indicating a higher state of ‘self’ that rises above the common, ancestral, and objectified world. ... It can signify the growth of the soul. The ‘self’ detaches from social banality and yearns to transition to a deeper and more authentic existence; it periodically returns to social banality and falls back into loneliness."
(source: link )

Thus, a certain degree of isolation can be an indispensable condition for the realization of personal autonomy, as distancing oneself from external influences allows a person to discover their inner source of freedom—the freedom to make choices in the most genuine, ethical, and rational sense.

On the other hand, the psychological aspect of freedom also carries elements of contradiction: the continual need to choose is sometimes accompanied not so much by an expansion of possibilities as by the burden of responsibility and even a sense of unfreedom. As noted in another source:

"The necessity to choose—and the more options available, the more intense is this psychological feeling of unfreedom. Often we choose not the best option, merely to finally end the need to choose, to free ourselves from the 'freedom of choice.' Conversely, the awareness of making a decision, which restricts the range of options that were once available, provides a feeling of noticeable relief! ... as a result, the sense of freedom or unfreedom likely aligns with actual freedom or unfreedom."
(source: link )

This quote indicates that the sense of freedom, although connected with an expansion of possibilities, can in certain contexts be accompanied by a constraint in choice, creating a paradox—in the process of realizing our freedom, we may simultaneously feel detached and even somewhat isolated from our previous set of opportunities.

Thus, the feeling of isolation and the sense of freedom are interwoven in the phenomenon of personal autonomy: separating oneself from the social world opens up space for the development of individuality, allowing a person to establish their own value orientations, though it cannot completely eliminate the internal need for communication and interaction. In this sense, both states—isolation and freedom—are essential components of the process of self-determination and, consequently, personal autonomy.

Supporting citation(s):
"Absolute loneliness is hell and non-being; it cannot be conceived positively, it can only be thought of negatively. Relative loneliness, however, is not merely a disease and is not marked solely by negativity. It can also be associated with a positive sign, potentially indicating a higher state of ‘self’ that rises above the common, ancestral, and objectified world. ... It can signify the growth of the soul. The ‘self’ detaches from social banality and yearns to transition to a deeper and more authentic existence; it periodically returns to social banality and falls back into loneliness." (source: link )

"The necessity to choose—and the more options available, the more intense is this psychological feeling of unfreedom. Often we choose not the best option, merely to finally end the need to choose, to free ourselves from the 'freedom of choice.' Conversely, the awareness of making a decision, which restricts the range of options that were once available, provides a feeling of noticeable relief! ... as a result, the sense of freedom or unfreedom likely aligns with actual freedom or unfreedom." (source: link )