13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success

Morin argues that deliberately spending time alone with one’s thoughts is essential for mental strength, yet modern society has created powerful barriers against solitude. Through the case study of Vanessa, a successful real-estate agent who couldn’t sleep due to racing thoughts, the author demonstrates how constant activity and social engagement can paradoxically increase mental distress. Vanessa’s transformation—from someone who viewed alone time as unproductive to someone who embraced journaling and meditation—illustrates the practical benefits of overcoming a fear of solitude.

The chapter addresses a distinctly contemporary problem rooted in technological connectivity and cultural productivity pressures. Morin identifies several societal factors that discourage solitude: the association of being alone with punishment or failure, the pressure to maintain busy social calendars as markers of importance, and the availability of digital distractions that eliminate natural opportunities for reflection. This analysis reflects broader cultural shifts since the early 2000s, when smartphones and social media began fundamentally altering how individuals relate to silence and solitude. The author’s perspective aligns with emerging research in digital wellness, which suggests that constant connectivity may impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.

The scientific evidence that Morin presents spans child development, workplace productivity, creativity, and mental health. Studies show that moderate alone time benefits adolescents academically and behaviorally, while workplace solitude can enhance individual performance despite the popularity of collaborative environments.