dietotzeit

It is a commonplace that we are (in general) social creatures; even the most obnoxious of us are involved in some way with our fellow humans. Some theorists even argue that language exists, not as a tool for the individual to express themselves, but as a means of expressing relationships. That is, that which is societal reconstitutes itself on us through language acquisition. This is one reason why we gossip, why we talk to one another. Let's face it, most of the time we aren't really saying anything, merely repeating ourselves. How many times have you found yourself speaking to a friend, a coworker, a lover, and realized that you were saying the same damn things over and over again. Didn't we talk about this yesterday? We don't care, we just do it. The idea here is that language is not so much a tool, but a state in which "the social" (as a generalized abstract) is maintained.

My question is NOT about the validity of this statement. Rather, let us assume that the statement can stand as is. IF it is "true," than what is it that drives us so often to seek solitude? Why do we retreat to the forests, mountains, and deserts both of the world and of the heart? What do we hope to scour from our souls, for this movement appeals to even those who do not search for a god. If we are social creatures, why do we need to be alone?