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About this quote

What does it mean?
In the past, with fewer people, loneliness was likely lower, though this is a broad generalization.
In plain terms
Fewer people used to mean less loneliness, but it’s a rough claim.
What can you take from it?
Historical context can shape our view of social needs.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • sociology classes

Putting it to work

  • compare past and present social structures

Questions to consider

  • How reliable are such generalizations?
  • What evidence supports this view?

Another view

Data on loneliness in sparse populations is limited.

More from Robert M. Pirsig

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  3. The mythos. The mythos is insane. That's what he believed. The mythos that says the forms of this world are real but the Quality of this world is unreal, that …

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