Lone Wolves

Thomas Nelson25 said:Like prisoners—it’s proven that after years of isolation, they start acting like ghosts... mostly because they turn inward toward the soul as a defense mechanism.

It's tough to tell though, since people fake it. I mean, how many 😁 people aren't constantly struggling with the gap between what they want (or their impulses) and reality? That struggle narrows your consciousness, and those folks cling hard to their "world stage" roles—the identities they use to define themselves—and their own illusions (like a chameleon mask) that tie back to the collective... where spiritual people end up on the margins (the center), relatively happy because they actually have wisdom.

Spirituality essentially functions as a defense mechanism—I guess you could say it serves that purpose.

Why people feel the need to put on an act—I guess it's just pure insecurity. They haven't quite figured themselves out yet, maybe. That's all there is to it.

Wise people? I suppose they exist—though I often find that people only seem wise until they inevitably mess up, or perhaps screw someone else over—entirely by accident, of course.

You know, while I'm typing this—I find myself thinking about my cousin out in rural Montana. He’s a total loner, honestly—just lives for the land, raising livestock and farming. He never married, doesn't bother with clubs or bars, and his house stays pretty quiet unless someone absolutely has to drop by. But despite all that, whenever we actually catch up, the conversation feels more meaningful than anything I could pull from ten different people in the middle of Chicago.
Well, I guess I've been sitting here reflecting on all of that for a bit...

Maria Robinson2 said:Spirituality essentially functions as a defense mechanism—I guess you could say it serves that purpose.

Why people feel the need to put on an act—I guess it's just pure insecurity. They haven't quite figured themselves out yet, maybe. That's all there is to it.

Wise people? I suppose they exist—though I often find that people only seem wise until they inevitably mess up, or perhaps screw someone else over—entirely by accident, of course.

You know, while I'm typing this—I find myself thinking about my cousin out in rural Montana. He’s a total loner, honestly—just lives for the land, raising livestock and farming. He never married, doesn't bother with clubs or bars, and his house stays pretty quiet unless someone absolutely has to drop by. But despite all that, whenever we actually catch up, the conversation feels more meaningful than anything I could pull from ten different people in the middle of Chicago.
Well, I guess I've been sitting here reflecting on all of that for a bit...

Mhmm, I wouldn't say it's strictly a psychological mechanism—I mean, where does psychology (individual and social life) end and spirituality begin? It's an endless field...

People play roles to protect themselves from something, from pain—so the role serves a purpose. It sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud, but try telling people that.

Wisdom is... well, first off, you get it.

Kind of like your cousin, that's me. 🙄 And that's how I plan to keep going—I just want more freedom. Everything else (in my book) is just playing a part or following a routine rather than living for yourself. Though, maybe I am just stuck in a defense mechanism myself... but hey, there's creativity and making things, so I've got my arguments. Besides those invisible things, you know? It's hard to explain metaphysics to regular folks—it's just beyond them.😁

Thomas Nelson25 said:Mhmm, I wouldn't say it's strictly a psychological mechanism—I mean, where does psychology (individual and social life) end and spirituality begin? It's an endless field...

People play roles to protect themselves from something, from pain—so the role serves a purpose. It sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud, but try telling people that.

Wisdom is... well, first off, you get it.

Kind of like your cousin, that's me. 🙄 And that's how I plan to keep going—I just want more freedom. Everything else (in my book) is just playing a part or following a routine rather than living for yourself. Though, maybe I am just stuck in a defense mechanism myself... but hey, there's creativity and making things, so I've got my arguments. Besides those invisible things, you know? It's hard to explain metaphysics to regular folks—it's just beyond them.😁

And then it becomes more of a soul-mechanism.

The heart goes first, and the mind follows—get it?

You know the saying, "Do what you think is best for you, and if it isn't working, drop it and move on—just don't repeat the same mistake."
(That's usually when the heart wins out.)

Metaphysics should be discussed with metaphysicians—true enough. For instance, when I want to talk about a tree in the park or a bird on a branch, people give me strange looks, because they'd rather discuss something else entirely—something I couldn't care less about.
That's just how it is—everyone has their own version of reality. See ya. 🙂

Maria Robinson2 said:And then it becomes more of a soul-mechanism.

The heart goes first, and the mind follows—get it?

You know the saying, "Do what you think is best for you, and if it isn't working, drop it and move on—just don't repeat the same mistake."
(That's usually when the heart wins out.)

Metaphysics should be discussed with metaphysicians—true enough. For instance, when I want to talk about a tree in the park or a bird on a branch, people give me strange looks, because they'd rather discuss something else entirely—something I couldn't care less about.
That's just how it is—everyone has their own version of reality. See ya. 🙂

Finding some deeper meaning in life, spirituality... sure, could be that. (Now, whether that's a defense mechanism or not—well, it probably should be, right before it becomes an instinct)

Obviously, fear was the first emotion we ever had—or maybe we're just clones of animals and that mechanism takes over sometimes. But with practice or a bit of wisdom, we can balance it out.

Well, yeah—when emotions or raw impulses drive people and trap them in certain patterns (due to a lack of wisdom), people call that "fate." It's usually just rationalization. 😁

Man, people really miss the details right under their noses, let alone the big picture... so what are they actually seeing or hearing? How are they even living? 😉 (I could never see that veil in front of my eyes—makes things harder for me, like that 'Plato's Cave' thing)

Thomas Nelson25 said:Finding some deeper meaning in life, spirituality... sure, could be that. (Now, whether that's a defense mechanism or not—well, it probably should be, right before it becomes an instinct)

Obviously, fear was the first emotion we ever had—or maybe we're just clones of animals and that mechanism takes over sometimes. But with practice or a bit of wisdom, we can balance it out.

Well, yeah—when emotions or raw impulses drive people and trap them in certain patterns (due to a lack of wisdom), people call that "fate." It's usually just rationalization. 😁

Man, people really miss the details right under their noses, let alone the big picture... so what are they actually seeing or hearing? How are they even living? 😉 (I could never see that veil in front of my eyes—makes things harder for me, like that 'Plato's Cave' thing)

Lone wolves are interesting, I guess. It's arguably easier to reach an agreement with them than with others—provided you don't try to force anything, because what works for most people doesn't necessarily work for a lone wolf.

One learns throughout life, I suppose.🙂

Maria Robinson2 said:Lone wolves are interesting, I guess. It's arguably easier to reach an agreement with them than with others—provided you don't try to force anything, because what works for most people doesn't necessarily work for a lone wolf.

One learns throughout life, I suppose.🙂

It’s really about that wisdom—whether it’s just how they're wired or a defense mechanism—that makes them retreat into their own world. It's that depth you get from looking inward and focusing on things most people totally miss because they're too busy looking outward (which is why they don't "get" spirituality; to them, it's just nonsense, like religion or daydreaming)... though, being *too* detached isn't great either, even if you're a killer writer using all that imagination.

As for character? That goes without saying with wise people—they can adapt to anyone easily.

Thomas Nelson25 said:It’s really about that wisdom—whether it’s just how they're wired or a defense mechanism—that makes them retreat into their own world. It's that depth you get from looking inward and focusing on things most people totally miss because they're too busy looking outward (which is why they don't "get" spirituality; to them, it's just nonsense, like religion or daydreaming)... though, being *too* detached isn't great either, even if you're a killer writer using all that imagination.

As for character? That goes without saying with wise people—they can adapt to anyone easily.

True—what you mentioned about people suddenly turning toward religion or visions in an instant...

A lone wolf, I guess—they might be perfectly happy with hobbies like model building or photography (like my cousin, who does more than just work on the farm), and there are plenty of "lone wolves" out there writing memoirs—which might actually be interesting to read 🙂.
A few of those lone wolves in my family—you know how it is—often express this "I'm sick of this world" sentiment. They say it openly, and the rest of us usually just stay quiet because, frankly, we often feel the same way. Terrible things happen globally, so it might turn out that we'll see more lone wolves in the near future...
(Not that I'm trying to be a prophet 😁)

Maria Robinson2 said:True—what you mentioned about people suddenly turning toward religion or visions in an instant...

A lone wolf, I guess—they might be perfectly happy with hobbies like model building or photography (like my cousin, who does more than just work on the farm), and there are plenty of "lone wolves" out there writing memoirs—which might actually be interesting to read 🙂.
A few of those lone wolves in my family—you know how it is—often express this "I'm sick of this world" sentiment. They say it openly, and the rest of us usually just stay quiet because, frankly, we often feel the same way. Terrible things happen globally, so it might turn out that we'll see more lone wolves in the near future...
(Not that I'm trying to be a prophet 😁)

Man, that's not prophecy—that's just life. Individualism is huge here in the States, and people either spiral into being psychos or they adapt and use that mindset to unlock their creative potential... assuming everything else falls into place, of course.

Oddballs usually have hobbies that are pretty odd or unconventional themselves 😁

But hey, if you really lean into all that, you can actually become an artist—someone who acts as a medium or is reflective of ideas and visions. It might not be totally original, but it's close—that's my definition of art, anyway. I'm not there yet, but I'd love to be—maybe that potential will open up for me down the road... I mean, I am pretty creative when it comes to building things and making stuff up and all that.

Thomas Nelson25 said:Man, that's not prophecy—that's just life. Individualism is huge here in the States, and people either spiral into being psychos or they adapt and use that mindset to unlock their creative potential... assuming everything else falls into place, of course.

Oddballs usually have hobbies that are pretty odd or unconventional themselves 😁

But hey, if you really lean into all that, you can actually become an artist—someone who acts as a medium or is reflective of ideas and visions. It might not be totally original, but it's close—that's my definition of art, anyway. I'm not there yet, but I'd love to be—maybe that potential will open up for me down the road... I mean, I am pretty creative when it comes to building things and making stuff up and all that.

Mhmm, so they aren't from the West, East, North, or South... I guess the four cardinal directions don't mean much to them?

Since you remember the video, I guess I jumped the gun—it was supposed to be the topic here, but I couldn't have known...

Justin Garcia7 said:When people hear the term "lone wolf," they usually think of social outcasts—people who struggle to make friends, feel disconnected, or just can't navigate a crowd. They picture the emotionally wounded or the extreme introverts.

But that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m referring to people who actually have plenty of friends, love going out, and are totally approachable and outgoing. They aren't oddballs; they just happen to prefer their own company most of the time because they genuinely enjoy being alone.

I’ve met a few people like this, and they all describe themselves as old souls. They aren't particularly interested in worldly pursuits and tend to view themselves as spiritual people.

This ties back to the concept of introversion versus extroversion. There’s a common misconception that personality is defined by these labels, but I read somewhere that it’s really about where you draw your energy—from being around others or from being by yourself. For instance, a colleague of mine is incredibly talkative and social; she makes friends effortlessly and screams "extrovert" to anyone watching. Yet, she describes herself as a lone wolf who finds her greatest peace in solitude. On the flip side, I know so many people who can't stand being alone. They feel bored without distraction, constantly inviting people over, and often admit they feel empty when they aren't in someone's company.

I’m one of them myself. Instead of heading out tonight, I’d much rather meditate, dive into a book, contemplate, observe, build my inner world, or work on writing.😁 I find that being alone is the only way I can truly "center" myself, returning to that point of calm and balance before I head back out to face the world again.

To be clear, I know plenty of people with actual social struggles or emotional baggage who call themselves "old souls" or "spiritual" simply because they don't know how to connect with others or lack a support system. This post isn't about them. It's about emotionally mature, well-adjusted individuals who have everything they need, yet choose solitude as their primary source of energy.

I’d argue that these true lone wolves are more deeply connected to their authentic selves. What do you all think?

It all depends on the individual; there are no set rules.

Maria Robinson2 said:Mhmm, so they aren't from the West, East, North, or South... I guess the four cardinal directions don't mean much to them?

Since you remember the video, I guess I jumped the gun—it was supposed to be the topic here, but I couldn't have known...

killer video 🙂

Looks like I might head out to the mountains—got some visions about it lately... the Rockies and whatever, lots of forest but mostly rock... it’s been calling to me in my dreams for over three years now..

I used to love hunting for those spots too—you know, places that just feel right, intuitively stimulating... rivers were my thing, too.

Thomas Nelson25 said:killer video 🙂

Looks like I might head out to the mountains—got some visions about it lately... the Rockies and whatever, lots of forest but mostly rock... it’s been calling to me in my dreams for over three years now..

I used to love hunting for those spots too—you know, places that just feel right, intuitively stimulating... rivers were my thing, too.

If the Alps happen to be nearby... if not, the Rocky Mountains are a decent choice, though if you head out toward the Dollar region, just know you'll actually run into wolves.

I think I’d like to settle on some island with a lighthouse—yeah, I realize there’d be plenty of work, maintaining instruments, dealing with lonely seasons, scorching sun followed by freezing storms, but whatever—if you love something, you go for it. You fish, grow vegetables, deal with dogs, cats, seagulls, and a family wondering where I am or what I'm doing since I'd probably only check in once a year... 🙂

I’d call myself an ambivert. Honestly, it’s a good thing because that balance is everything. I make an effort to listen and show respect—sometimes more than others, sure—but I listen, and I draw energy from it. Though, if I’m being real, I recharge best when I'm flying solo. People with deep intellectual interests really need that dedicated time to just sit with their own thoughts. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I think I covered the basics in my first post, but I want to emphasize one thing: because we tend to be so much more aware of ourselves and the world around us, we need those moments of stepping back or total isolation just to process things and reconnect with ourselves. ☕

So, I finally forced myself to head out to a cafe again after a few months... it was a Saturday, too... and honestly, it was just awful. Too many people, too much noise, way too much everything. I managed to hang in there for maybe 20 minutes. The only saving grace was this young, blonde waitress... really cute and bubbly 😁

Once there are more than two or three people around, things get heavy and exhausting for me... I start feeling restless...
...but now I'm finally at peace. It's night, I'm listening to the sounds around me, and I feel alive—like I'm one with the universe, totally complete 🙂

...just typing away on the forum 🤣 🤣

The whole concept of a "lone wolf" is complete nonsense when people use it like this
By definition, lone wolves are just broken individuals that the pack kicked out—usually the younger ones, the weak ones, or the sick ones who fled just to avoid being slaughtered. Or maybe they're just old dogs who can't hold their own in the hierarchy anymore. A lone wolf is mostly just hungry... and if they aren't at death's door, their entire existence revolves around trying to get fat enough before the next winter hits so they can somehow slip into a pack that might take them in—even if that just means getting killed so they can at least have a place to die. Occasionally, they might try to seize control by force, but since they rarely get a steady meal, they’re almost never in any kind of shape to win a fight

It would be much more accurate to say something like a "lone bear," because those guys actually roam the woods solo by choice—they hang out when they feel like it, mind their own business, and generally don't give a damn about anyone else. Or maybe a "lone lion" or something similar... because calling someone a "lone wolf" is basically just describing social rejects

placidwolf27 said:The whole concept of a "lone wolf" is complete nonsense when people use it like this
By definition, lone wolves are just broken individuals that the pack kicked out—usually the younger ones, the weak ones, or the sick ones who fled just to avoid being slaughtered. Or maybe they're just old dogs who can't hold their own in the hierarchy anymore. A lone wolf is mostly just hungry... and if they aren't at death's door, their entire existence revolves around trying to get fat enough before the next winter hits so they can somehow slip into a pack that might take them in—even if that just means getting killed so they can at least have a place to die. Occasionally, they might try to seize control by force, but since they rarely get a steady meal, they’re almost never in any kind of shape to win a fight

It would be much more accurate to say something like a "lone bear," because those guys actually roam the woods solo by choice—they hang out when they feel like it, mind their own business, and generally don't give a damn about anyone else. Or maybe a "lone lion" or something similar... because calling someone a "lone wolf" is basically just describing social rejects

Honestly, this is such a common misconception...

I mean, look, there are plenty of times where you’re actually the one who's screwed from their point of view.

Being a loner is basically just a byproduct of the way society functions these days 🤷

We're social animals by nature, sure, but having a pack or a partner isn't really about survival anymore. We've evolved past that primal stage, I guess...🤷

It wasn't the pack that kicked me out, I left them...
...and honestly, I could be a lone bear for all it matters. I’ve always been more of a bear than a wolf anyway 😁

Winter can't touch the wolves as long as they have the internet. 😁

A lone wolf can hold his own; he can hunt, eat, and endure the elements entirely on his own, right up until old age, sickness, or an injury finally takes him. It’s the same fate he would face within a pack, just perhaps under different circumstances.

Historically speaking, humans simply weren't built for solitude. If you were cast out from your tribe, you were essentially a dead man walking—starvation or infection would claim you quickly. Our ancestors couldn't survive a broken arm or a leg injury without someone there to tend the wound and provide food while they healed.

The same logic applies today, though we often fail to see it. Modern "lone wolves" aren't actually solitary creatures. They still shop at Target or Walmart, buy their clothes online, rely on the power grid, and depend on municipal water and sewage systems to function.

The only real difference is that these individuals convince themselves they’ve minimized their interaction with the rest of society.

But have they really?

It’s certainly different than it used to be, certainly. Back before smartphones became ubiquitous, if you needed something from someone, you had to physically go to them, look them in the eye, and speak to them directly. Nowadays, you just send a quick text or fire off an email.

In the past, your social circle was usually limited to a handful of people from your school, your neighborhood, or your office. Today, you have all of those connections, plus the people you interact with on digital forums, the personalities you watch on TV, or the voices you listen to on the radio.

Sure, you might lack physical proximity, but honestly, you don't need to be hugging and kissing everyone you meet; human connection is fundamentally about the exchange of ideas, not necessarily physical touch.

A true lone wolf in modern America would be someone who systematically severs all ties to human contact—someone living entirely without radio, television, books, the internet, a job, or even the occasional trip to the grocery store.

Do such people exist today? If they do, they are incredibly rare.

Most people who claim to be lone wolves are simply operating under a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to participate in a human society.