# Pessimistic Isolation and Optimistic Integration By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-11-02 When one writes, one does it in relative isolation. While the intent may be to share it with others and impact them in some way, writing is a decidedly done is isolation. One writes and thinks by themselves. The removal of social and power dynamics frees one from these ever present pressures and norms. This is liberating and allows ideas to flow freely without false pretenses. One is only putting on a show of something one is not if one chooses to do so. No one is watching and ultimately one can take comfort in knowing they can always choose to never share it with anyone. This is why writing is an effective way of thinking through things, as one is genuinely free, and ideas will emerge seemingly out of nowhere. However, what happens when one develops an idea free from social influence and then wishes to speak publicly about it? An interesting dynamic emerges: one shifts the idea into different tones and perspectives. For example, if one's writings are pessimistic, one's public speech on these writings will tend to be more optimistic. One may only realize that they are doing it after it is over. Something inside of our social brain overrides the content of the original message. Perhaps it is a survival instinct to maintain or elevate one's status within society. Or, perhaps to exist in isolation is not a true representation of one's self. As with all things, only doing one thing is rarely the answer. Paradoxes and paradigms of thought exist for a reason. Examine and understand them. Then, leverage them to reach the progress and meaning one seeks. #### Related Items [[Thinking]] [[Writing]] [[Speech]] [[Society]] [[Culture]] [[Isolation]] [[Paradigms]] [[The Human Condition]]