To be human is to be lonely. It is one of the deepest and most profound experiences we have. It reveals that our most radical need is to love and be loved. But despite its universality most of us are reluctant to admit our loneliness, even to ourselves and even when we do admit that we are lonely; it is with a feeling of shame and weakness. The cost of this self-deception is very high. But loneliness can also be a very creative and humanizing force. If it is accepted, it can make us compassionate, sympathetic, and understanding and move us towards a greater depth of openness to others and help us to lead a more fulfilling life.        Loneliness is not just being alone. It has to do with feeling lonely, the absence of a meaningful human relationship. The fact that loneliness has something to do with feeling lonely suggests one thing. Our feelings are neither moral nor immoral. Therefore, we can acknowledge them and talk through them instead of keeping...