THERE is a new affliction across much of the world, especially in the West. Unlike Covid or other viruses, it is not infectious, with symptoms that are not as immediately obvious; it creeps in insidiously, has been endemic for quite some time, and there is no vaccination yet available. It is not self-limiting and — unlike other viral infections — does not get better with time. Though not really new, it is beginning to draw attention — even make occasional headlines — only recently. This “disease” is loneliness, only now being recognized as a health hazard.
Its severity is indicated (possibly exaggerated) by statements like that from the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, who recently said that loneliness is as dangerous as smoking; it also significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. The UK has created a Ministry of Loneliness, in recognition of the seriousness of the problem. The “power of one” is being overtaken by the loneliness, the pains, of being (al)one.
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