Necessary and needless loneliness. The perspective of fact, development and relation - a case study of texts by Janusz Korczak

Abstract

On the basis of two essays by Janusz Korczak, the author performs an analysis of the phenomenon of human loneliness, as an experience that is both necessary and needless for his existence. As a “necessary” experience, it is combined with the objective fact of the separateness of the existence of each human being, as well as, the objective process of remaining “one-to-one” with self, both towards other persons, and world phenomena. Also during the moments, when he involves himself in relations with them. The experience is difficult and requires learning to exist with it during the entire lifetime. Particularly, at the beginnings, interaction of children and youth with adults is the most crucial, as they latter may aid them in learning to cope with the inevitability of loneliness on the one side, and with the subjective potential of dealing with it and using is a development determining asset. However, in reality it often occurs, that natural loneliness is strengthened by the inept building of relations, and, in this case, assume a form of destructive loneliness. One, that does not foster creativity. The author refers to this type of loneliness as needless.