alone ≠ lonely : alignment without association

some of the fiercest species on the planet are solitary 

we have even romanticized the idea of animals, normally pack creatures, as a proud, independent rebel who thrives in solitude, feared and revered by all - the lone wolf. yet with humans who choose the same path, they are commonly looked down upon. it is said that they have something “wrong with them”  

some believe humans became tribalistic as a survival mechanism. a group of smaller, slower, weaker mammals had a greater chance of survival against larger, more dangerous creatures. at minimum, the odds were better: you didn’t have to be the fastest, just not the slowest 

there are also those who believe that being part of a group had greater meaning. that the safety and warmth it provided was as much emotional as physical 

yet, even in a tribe it is all too common for people to feel lacking. regardless of the abundance, some are lonely in a crowded room. they can have thousands of “followers”, hundreds of “friends” yet feel a disconnect. a feeling of being incomplete, longing for a connection they cannot explain. and many attempt to solve this problem with more of the same. confusing quantity for quality 

then there are those who feel whole 300 miles from the nearest person. those who are not dependent on guidance, support, or warmth from another 

are these solitary individuals defective? or are they in fact like their animal cousins - stronger, more resilient, more aligned? 

even the word “loner” commonly carries a negative connotation with it. yet those who choose to be alone are not bothered by that external point. they are typically not swayed by labels or outside influence. they do not feel compelled by or succumb to the pressure of associating with any particular brand, group, or party. they are typically consistent in their conduct regardless of the surroundings. they know who they are, who they are not, and what is most important to them 

and much like real wolves, loners can appreciate the pack. they appreciate quality people and quality time with them - but they do not tolerate the fakers, the frauds, the fairytales that dilute the present 

they can survive, thrive without any of that nonsense 

above all, they value the peace that comes when outside noise and nonsense is filtered 

the codex does not promote loneliness 

it helps strengthens oneself