In this world, each one of us is either part of the problem or part of its solution. To be “one person” means accepting responsibility for being part of the solution in a world where problems are never scarce, whichever way we turn.

It means having the courage to take responsibility for increasing the clarity with which we see the world, welcoming the risk of thinking independently, and allowing the weight of the suffering of others that we choose to carry to reveal meaning in life.

Only by accepting responsibility for being one person can we come to hold ourselves in greater respect.

Loneliness may be the smallest price we pay for this detachment—but what price would we not pay for freedom?

Aydin Areta