Do you think it is appropriate to talk about positive and negative solitude?

I couldn’t comment on any solitude apart from the positive kind. Being alone in the sense of negative solitude corresponds with a person’s personal life. In other words, the individual paints his own environment with negative colours.

Which characteristics define them?

So-called positive solitude corresponds with creativity; this state is much sought after by many artists or people who are looking for peace. Negative states of solitude go hand in hand with undesired occurrences, or more to the point, with occurrences we are unable to deal with.

Is solitude an essential requisite for genius?

Not necessarily. Not all humanity’s great geniuses have had happy relationships with the people around them, and even so they have left us the legacy of their great creations.

Do you agree with the solitude-inspiration association?

Inspiration arises from internal spaces that can manifest even amongst great crowds. Solitude is only beneficial when it is necessary.

Does solitude help us get to know ourselves? Is it the only way we can do so?

Knowledge arises from continual observation of our thoughts and attitudes and our relationships with others. In this way solitude helps us to reflect over what we have observed.

Do you experience solitude positively or negatively? Has it helped or hindered you at any time?

Personally I can be in silence and solitude for many hours, creating or simply reflecting on something, musical or not.

Can the excess of solitude become a social or personal problem?

According to thought science professionals, there are some people who are incapable of resisting solitude and suffer pathological reactions if they are exposed to it. Genetic, as well as family and relationship factors can influence this.

Do you think external factors such as the Internet can generate addictions that support solitude?

Studies relating to this issue are producing fairly unflattering reports in this sense. Excessive hours spent on the Internet pertain to a kind of induced solitude that can be damaging.

Do you think the trends and information we receive directly and indirectly on a day to day level serve to increase solitude?

Yes, definitely. There is a sick attraction towards novelties and the tendency to follow imposed trends. Firstly people tend to draw themselves in and accept everything they see. They then take on postures that make them adopt strange models of social behaviour.

Do you think positive solitude has any relation to peace building?

Yes, as long as this solitude propitiates the manifestation and exaltation of spiritual values, noble sentiments and compassion, as these are the only foundations of true peace.

And can negative solitude cause conflict?

I think so, above all in people who lack positive professional direction.