Loneliness vs. Solitude

Loneliness
1.the state of being alone in solitary isolation [syn: solitariness]
2.sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned [syn: forlornness, desolation]
3.a disposition toward being alone [syn: aloneness, lonesomeness, solitude]

Solitude
1.The state or quality of being alone or remote from others.
2.A lonely or secluded place.

As we see, dictionary seems to place loneliness and solitude as synonyms, hence an equal footing. I argue that there is something deeper and more fundamental difference between these to states. They are not the same.

Here is my take. Loneliness and solitude are related to spiritual state. Loneliness is something one experiences because a person feels a spiritual disconnect with the higher one. In this disconnect, one can feel that there is no one else present, although spirit can never be alone.

Solitude is a state a soul wants because it already knows its connection to the higher spirit. Therefore, the spirit purposefully seeks solitude in order to escape from the cacophony of life to be one with the eternal source of life.