Written by Justin Lee (website)
Image from Noun Project
Source: Solitary Action: Acting on our Own in Everyday Life, by Ira Cohen. New York: Oxford University Press. 2016. 217 pp. cloth. ISBN: 978-0-19-025857-3
Approaching Solitary Action by Dr. Ira J. Cohen, a sociologist at Rutgers University, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was curious about exploring a phenomenon I’ve often experienced and enjoyed. As someone who relishes solitary activities, I found Cohen's exploration of the subject both thought-provoking and relatable.
One of the book's strengths lies in its balance of academic rigor and accessibility. It's not a light read; every word invites careful thought. This deliberate pace proved fitting as I often found myself immersed in the text during my own solitary moments.
The Elemental Concept
I was particularly drawn to Cohen’s "elemental concept" of solitary actions, which distinguishes between involvement and structuration. Involvement refers to the degree of engagement or immersion in an activity, while structuration relates to the flexibility or rigidity of how an activity is performed. This framework provides a new lens through which to view our solitary experiences.
Cohen expands on this idea through four forms of solitary action: reflexives, engrossments, peripatetics, and regimens. While each form offers unique insights, I found reflexives particularly intriguing.
Reflexive Solitary Action: A Deep Dive
The reflexive form of solitary action resonated with me deeply. Defined by high involvement and loose structure, reflexive actions demand critical thinking and problem-solving without rigid guidelines. This can be both challenging and rewarding, as it requires sustained mental effort.
Reflexive activities often involve a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. While a certain degree of structure can be helpful in guiding the creative process, too much rigidity can stifle innovation. For instance, when I'm writing creatively, I often start with a loose outline. As I dive deeper into the subject matter, the structure may evolve organically, allowing for unexpected ideas and creative breakthroughs.
Cohen uses metaphors like "lines of thought," "train of thought," or "stream of consciousness" to describe mental work, though he acknowledges that these metaphors can be misleading. William James, often associated with "stream of consciousness", recognized the intermittent nature of thought. He compared our minds to a bird, alternating between periods of flight (active thought) and rest (passive reflection). This metaphor more accurately captures the ebb and flow of our mental processes.
In my own creative endeavors, I've found that moments of intense focus and deliberate practice are essential for developing skills and refining ideas. However, it's equally important to allow for periods of unstructured thinking and daydreaming. These moments of quiet self-reflection can lead to unexpected insights, or what we often call an ‘epiphany’.
Solitary Actions and Skill Development
The book also explores the role of solitary action in skill development, particularly in the arts. Learning an instrument, for example, requires both formal instruction and individual practice. It's during these solitary moments that one's unique expression emerges.
Cohen's examples of jazz pianists who "feel" the music rather than think about it resonated deeply with me as a classical pianist. While learning from others is valuable, solo practice is just as essential for developing one's unique style.
Social influence is undoubtedly important, but Cohen emphasizes the equal value of private life. Social interactions shape individuals, but individuals also influence the broader social fabric. He challenges the idea that social interaction is the only path to knowledge and skills. While rules and social norms are essential for skill development, solitary action provides a space for personal expression and experimentation.
Solitude versus Solitary Actions
Another insightful distinction Cohen makes is between solitude and solitary action. He views solitude as a more intense experience, often sought in times of emotional turmoil. It's a deliberate decision to spend extended time alone. For some it might be driven by a deep spiritual calling, while for others it may be a desire to process feelings. According to Thomas Merton, "true solitude" involves transcending society rather than merely withdrawing from it.
Cohen also discusses a gentler side of solitude, which he calls "refined retreat." This idealized vision, often portrayed in romantic literature and art, suggests a peaceful, idyllic experience, particularly in nature. I found it fascinating that in earlier times, solitude was seen as a refuge from the superficiality of social interaction, a chance to immerse oneself in nature, literature, and the arts. Cohen notes that to fully appreciate this calm solitude, one must possess a certain degrees of emotional stability and peace of mind.
Finally, Cohen stresses that solitude is not meant as a permanent state; eventually, it's essential to reengage with society.
Conclusion
Solitary Action provides a valuable exploration of a frequently overlooked aspect of human experience. It reminds us that while social connection is important, solitude and solitary actions play a vital role in personal growth. As Herman Hesse observed in Demian, "We can understand each other, but each of us can truly grasp and interpret only himself."
Comments