A modern problem, framed by Gilles Deleuze

“So it’s not a problem of getting people to express themselves but of providing little gaps of solitude and silence in which they might eventually find something to say. Repressive forces don’t stop people expressing themselves but rather force them to express themselves; What a relief to have nothing to say, the right to say nothing, because only then is there a chance of framing the rare, and ever rarer, thing that might be worth saying.”

-Gilles Deleuze, Negotiations 1972–1990.

In our modern age of overindulgence this seems to be an eloquent way of framing where much value can be found — in true solitude and silence without any outer forces acting upon oneself. There is so much noise in our lives, insane quantities of words and images… Take a break from them once in a while.

However, as Mr. Deleuze points out, these moments of solitude should indeed be little gaps. The majority of time should be spent with life, as part of the whole, in interaction with others and the world. Then, these gaps of solitude and silence can bring tremendous value .

Thanks for reading.