In the course of centuries humankind has witnessed the emergence of individuals who, in a variety of ways have articulated the qualities, values and shortcomings characteristic of their societies. Today it may be meaningful and educational for us to trace the development and growth of humanity by looking at our works, activities, and accomplishment in thoughts and culture.
   Across time moral and spiritual giants have stood out, as well as practical and creative geniuses. They have marked the achievements and characterized various civilizations which have contributed to human progress.
   I am led to wonder: what then are the qualities of men and women belonging to a global society? Perhaps each one of us can make a list of the positive traits of a global citizen—active, free, quick, an explorer, a conqueror… a winner. And yet, it seems, all is not well with our society. It also has the symptoms of a disease, one that experts find hard to diagnose. I maintain that one of the most visible symptoms of this affliction is solitude—and a great many men and women of our time are suffering from this condition.
   I’m talking about a negative kind of solitude—one caused by a lack of real, stable and deep relationships with companions on life’s journey. This solitude is the result of a lack of interest and involvement in public affairs, or in fostering the common good. Such individuals risk withdrawing farther and farther into their own little corners.
   The solitude of the global citizens, as the noted sociologist Zygmunt Bauman noted, increases even as they are exposed to an ever-expanding network of knowledge, information and virtual contacts, to mass pilgrimages to the new shrines of consumerism and comfort, and the excited crowds at amusement parks and other places of leisure. The shell of the individual hardens, preventing his socializing with and recognizing other people—the true source of dignity and freedom.
   The medicine for this illness must be taken in constant and daily doses in order to restore the patient to a state of mobility and vitality. It is almost like a rehabilitation process. In essence, it requires us to respect differences so as to unite the social body, to look at the others with love and not with suspicion, to engage in sincere dialogue while avoiding closed mindsets, and to safeguard interpersonal relationships and cultivate lasting friendships.
   Connection with a living community is needed in order to break the chains of solitude. Society will then emerge enriched and prepared to set new objectives of peace for itself.

Vera Araujo

Sociologist Vera Araujo is a member of the Focolare Interdisciplinary Study Center