Solitude: A Return to the Self

Anthony Storr is a great writer and collector of powerful information. A genius in his own field. I first discovered this book, shortly after I separated from my abusive ex husband. After reading through the introduction piece, I was hooked. Being a creative person, I felt that this book clearly helped me understand "why" I was not like my peers. And helped me move forward with rediscovering my self-identity, after I had lost all hope on understanding "who I was" since leaving my ex. Between meditation, lots of self evaluation (such as creating a question book, which I used to analyze my "likes and dislikes" and routine reactions), and this book, I was able to move forward with my life.I have purchased this book 3 times, as suffered from homelessness for over 5 years after leaving my ex husband, so I lost this book a couple of times. I rebought this item, because I feel that this book is an excellent reference book, that should be easily accessible to every individual.Now that I am no longer in homelessness, and I am now working towards my BA degree and developing my company, OoSnapp, LLC., I have found that referencing and reevaluating Dr. Storr's words have helped me stay motivated and focused on my on going journey of developing myself.To Sum it up: This is a "need to have" book for everyone. I think it is essential for everyone to understand the importance of learning more about themselves. As scary as it seems, to be an evaluator of understanding who "you are", Anthony Storr did an excellent job of sharing some inspirational stories, quotations, as well as provided illustrations of the positive outcomes of knowing yourself... if I could, I would give this book an extra 3 stars."Thank you, Dr. Anthony Storr, for sharing your ideas and observations with the world. May you be Resting in Peace"

For me, I have always been a person who is a deep thinker, and one who likes spending time alone to meditate and to rest and recharge! However, while I do enjoy meaningful relationships; I am also at home in my own skin and enjoy my own company.Until I read this book, some of my own friends considered me an oddity because I was not married, dating often or living with someone. So after I read this book, I was very much re-assured that Solitude is really a healthy thing and this book gives the reasons why.Some people are happier with a mate and are very social butterflies and others are more of a recluse and a solitude type of person and this is to be applauded just as much as the person who is married, dating, or a social butterfly.This book has shown me that one must follow one’s own path and if that path is to be a Solitude type of person, then this is OK and perfectly normal!By the way, I purchased this in paperback form on Amazon and it holds a special place on my Bookcase.

The main point of this book is its arguments against the psychoanalytical assumption that childhood attachments and adult relationships account for happiness or unhappiness. So I was surprised to see the extent to which the author continued to accept some psychoanalytical perspectives without evidence. For example, in the chapter on Kant, Wittgenstein and Newton, he discussed how they must have experienced such and such in their childhood, because look at how they turned out as adults. That is illogical reasoning at best.I think I read this book once before, maybe 20 years ago, but if so, it was worthwhile the second time through for several biographical examples that I intend to research further.

Anthony Storr's writing feels like a poetry that is easy to read. He writes that being single, living solitary can be as fulfilling and creative as living with a mate. He writes of some wonderful writers who were and are single and what they have achieved living alone. Very inspirational, but I personally cannot see myself a second say....a Rudyard.Kipling.....it is lovely to see how he lived: solitary and so so creative.I find it very refreshing, that 'the norm,' of being in a relationship can be very frustrating.

Many words ending with 'ly' are spelled 'dy' ie: 'firstly' becomes 'firdy'. Happens fairly often about once a page.

I’m definitely intrigued on how informative this book was, definitely a book I personally can relate to because I personally love being alone with myself a lot, definitely a must have to your book collection!

This is a thorough examination of solitude in the lives of many creative persons and with constant connections to psychological theory. The arguments are convincing, leading the reader to the very first steps of mysticism.

A very dry book on Psychology more than on solitude.