So, what aspects does age anxiety mainly manifest in? Can you share how age anxiety is expressed among young people?#
Age anxiety mainly manifests in concerns about the changes and uncertainties brought about by aging, such as worries about not being able to keep up with societal expectations in career development, academic achievements, and anxieties about appearance and energy decline during the aging process. Young people's age anxiety is often closely related to identity transitions and role expectations. For example, a young person who graduated six months ago may feel anxious about transitioning from a student identity to a working identity, realizing they are no longer among the freshest graduates, and worry about adapting to the pace of society and taking on corresponding responsibilities.
How does a 29-year-old experience age anxiety?
This 29-year-old feels a shift in address from "young person" to "young family person," indicating that he is now among the older cohort of unmarried peers. Seeing colleagues around him getting married and having children creates a sense of anxiety about not having reached expected developmental goals, especially as he realizes he is approaching his thirties, intensifying this anxiety.
Do you feel any age anxiety?#
Personally, I do not have a particular sense of anxiety about aging. Although I know I am getting older, my partner, who is aging alongside me, does not make me feel repulsed, so my age anxiety is not severe.
How does age range affect the perception of life experiences?
I believe that the twenties are a decade full of changes and transformations, possibly the most dynamic phase of life. By the time one reaches their forties, life tends to stabilize, and time seems to pass more quickly. Experiences and attempts in youth often make that period feel long and diverse.
So how should one view things they wanted to do at 20 but haven't done by 30?
Even if one does things they wanted to do at 20 when they are 30, the experience may be different. For instance, running naked on the beach at 20 can feel liberating, whereas doing the same at 30 might be perceived as immature by others. However, age anxiety does not solely stem from physiological aging; it is more about societal pressures related to age.
What is the deeper meaning behind the naked running tradition before exams in American universities?
The naked running tradition before exams in American universities is a way for students to relieve stress, reflecting a phenomenon where young people seek orderly emotional release in the face of exam pressure. This behavior is related to age anxiety, as it embodies societal expectations for appropriate behavior at different ages.
What is the concept of social age?#
Social age refers to the age range expected by societal culture, during which certain specific behaviors should be completed, such as marriage and childbirth. People tend to believe that certain behaviors are more appropriate at specific ages, and exceeding these time frames is considered inappropriate. The anxiety brought about by social age is more reflected in the sense of dislocation between individuals and societal expectations.
When does age anxiety begin to appear?#
According to our research, age anxiety begins to appear at the age of 20. Although this conclusion is based on random sampling and is not representative, it indicates that at least some individuals start to feel the pressure and anxiety associated with age at 20, such as anxiety about marriage and relationships. At the same time, 20 is still a critical period for the emotional stability of the prefrontal cortex; physiologically, individuals are not yet fully mature, but under the pressure of social age, they may feel they should take on adult responsibilities, leading to anxiety.
What are the societal expectations for employment, marriage, and childbirth during the 25 to 35 age range?
Society generally expects individuals in this age range to complete at least one of employment, marriage, or childbirth. Especially regarding employment, independent living and self-sufficiency are very important, as excessive reliance on parents can lead to unnecessary pressure and nagging. As for marriage and childbirth, although there is some freedom of choice, society indeed tends to encourage those who adhere more closely to social age norms, and those who defy these "conventions" may face gossip and negative evaluations.
Is the prevalent notion of a "30-year job-seeking limit" accurate?
In reality, 30 is not an absolute job-seeking limit, but some industries or positions do set age restrictions at 30 during recruitment. However, concerns about not finding a job by 30 are not entirely correct, as the career prospects and development conditions vary across industries, and not all industries have the bleak prospects often portrayed online.
What advice do you have regarding pursuing a PhD? Does pursuing a PhD help improve employment competitiveness?#
I advise that individuals should choose to pursue a PhD based on genuine academic interest and passion, rather than merely to broaden employment opportunities. From an educational perspective, undergraduate general education typically offers a wider range of employment opportunities, while graduate and doctoral studies become increasingly specialized, limiting job prospects. Professions like law and teaching, even if the income may not be high, have their value and significance based on ideals and passion.
Not necessarily. While some believe that pursuing a PhD can increase educational qualifications, in reality, as educational levels rise, the job market for specialized interviews may narrow. PhD graduates may face greater challenges in the job market, especially in positions that require quick adaptation to the workplace and basic tasks, where a PhD may actually become a disadvantage. However, if one pursues a part-time PhD with sufficient research project support and can afford tuition, such an experience can be beneficial for enhancing academic capabilities.
For those with work experience, how should they view the decision to pursue a PhD when considering new career advancement plans?#
For individuals with some work experience approaching 40, it is understandable if they choose to pursue a PhD for career development or personal interest. However, for younger individuals, blindly pursuing higher education for smoother employment may not be the right approach, as this could lead to narrowing job prospects, making it harder to find work. Therefore, it is encouraged that young people make decisions about further education based on clear career planning and interests.
What common anxiety issues exist among student groups? What advice do you have for students wanting to pursue a PhD?
Student groups face various anxiety issues, including the anxiety of graduate and doctoral students about not graduating, such as the pressure of writing theses, conducting research, and publishing articles. Writing a doctoral thesis is an extremely painful process; even under favorable conditions, like when I was a visiting scholar at Harvard, I still felt anxious. Additionally, the current job market is changing, with higher demands for publishing articles, especially for graduates from prestigious universities who need to publish journal papers, adding to the competitive pressure and anxiety. Personally, I do not recommend hastily deciding to pursue a PhD unless there is a particular passion for the discipline, as the anxiety and pain during the thesis writing process are objectively present, and with increasing conditions, such as higher graduation requirements, this anxiety becomes even more pronounced.
What anxieties and pressures do women face regarding childbirth? What are your thoughts on the trauma caused by childbirth?#
There are many examples of women facing childbirth anxiety, such as women around 26 experiencing pressure from society and family to marry and have children, while internally grappling with whether to have children and when to do so. My advice is that if one plans to have children, it is best to do so while parents are still young enough to help care for them, as having children at a younger age generally leads to better genetics and quicker recovery. However, if economic conditions allow, having children at an older age also has its stability benefits. The key is to consider the age and condition of those who can provide sufficient care and support. Childbirth can indeed cause some trauma to the body, but it is not entirely negative; it can also have positive aspects, such as helping to prevent certain gynecological diseases and cancers. Modern medical technologies, such as painless childbirth, can greatly alleviate the pain of childbirth, and children can provide emotional comfort, stabilize marital relationships, and become an important support in life. Therefore, the pressure to have children is not solely negative; it also has its positive value.
What advice do you have for young people feeling anxious about marriage?#
For young people facing marriage anxiety, it is essential first to understand whether they genuinely want to marry and have children, rather than making decisions solely based on social pressure. They can participate in workshops or courses to better understand the nature of love and sociological perspectives on marriage. At the same time, they should clarify their needs and expectations regarding marriage, recognizing that marriage still holds some positive significance in modern society.
Is there a labor shortage issue in laboratories, and how does it differ from the education of liberal arts graduate students?
There can indeed be labor shortages in laboratories; if personnel turnover occurs, it may take a long time to find suitable replacements. This differs from liberal arts, where graduate students typically engage in academic research under the guidance of professors, and new students can quickly replace graduates.
How do you view students' attitudes toward choosing research topics and directions?
I remind students that some seemingly easy topics are actually challenging to complete, requiring overcoming the first step. For their chosen research topics, even if they initially seem easy, they may encounter difficulties later. As a mentor, I will pave the academic path for students; as long as they can solve the first step, subsequent research will be relatively smooth.
What are your thoughts on the social phenomenon of engineering PhD students being required to delay graduation?#
This is a social phenomenon; engineering advisors may urge students to graduate, but some advisors may hope students can complete specific tasks before graduating due to project needs. However, in any case, it is essential to emphasize ethics and professionalism; advisors should not restrict students' development.
How should we view and adjust the age restrictions on teacher recruitment in certain areas?
There are indeed age restrictions in society, such as requiring teachers to be under 30, which is worth reflecting on in modern society. With increasing life expectancy and changing life pressures, these restrictions may need to be adjusted to more flexible methods; otherwise, they will impact many people.
What advice do you have for friends who have repeatedly failed to pass the teacher qualification exam for several years?
I suggest they try adjusting their study methods, as the teacher qualification exam is not inherently difficult to pass. If they still find it challenging, they might consider adjusting their career plans, such as finding a job to support themselves before making other plans.
How do you view the anxiety symptoms appearing in people around 30, such as physical condition and work burnout?
This is a topic with significant individual differences. As people age, they may feel their physical energy is not what it used to be, experiencing the "seven-year itch," losing interest in work while feeling anxious about new challenges. This may be a normal psychological change, but some people find that life stages like marriage and childbirth can provide temporary psychological buffers, slowing the decline in happiness.
How do you view the concept of happiness levels and higher happiness?#
While some suggest that happiness declines over a lifetime, I do not entirely agree that happiness can be simply quantified by quantity and quality. Different individuals have varying understandings and experiences of happiness; simple pleasures like eating, drinking, and having fun also hold value and are not necessarily inferior to higher pleasures like spiritual fulfillment. The diverse sources of happiness in life should not be evaluated through a single hierarchical lens.
Does this 36-year-old man feel that life has become less free after marriage, leading him to become increasingly closed off?
Yes, he feels constrained after marriage, unwilling to go out, significantly reducing his social activities, and starting to stay home more, resulting in fewer friends. He is unsure whether this change is related to age, marriage, or a necessary life process.
Do some people view marriage as a watershed moment and adjust their behavior accordingly?
Yes, there are indeed cases where some believe that behavior should differ before and after marriage, such as wives focusing more on family and husbands needing to pay more attention to family life. However, in reality, there is no essential difference between marriage and dating.
Does marriage mean one must give up certain personal freedoms, such as playing mahjong?
Many people consciously adjust their behavior after marriage, reducing some personal entertainment activities, like playing mahjong, to adapt to the increased sense of family responsibility.
Do judges in their forties face significant economic pressure, leading to anxiety?
Yes, judges in their forties face considerable economic pressure, including issues related to children's education, family expenses, and supporting aging parents, which can make them feel anxious and consider whether they should change jobs to improve family conditions.
Does a 41-year-old divorced individual without children feel age anxiety, worrying that life possibilities are diminishing?
Yes, a 41-year-old divorced person without children may experience age anxiety, feeling that since their 39th birthday, life possibilities have gradually decreased, and they lack the courage to change their life.
Is life after divorce as happy as imagined?#
In reality, life after divorce is not necessarily happier than during marriage, especially if there were many dissatisfactions or troubles before the divorce; similar issues may still exist afterward, albeit in a different form.
How do people around 45 view aging, particularly regarding physical aspects?
At 45, many begin to notice physical changes, such as declining sleep quality and reduced energy, marking a clear watershed that prompts a reevaluation of economic pressures, family responsibilities, and personal future planning.
Does age anxiety significantly decrease after 50?
Yes, age anxiety tends to stabilize around 50 and gradually decreases afterward; individuals over 50 typically no longer experience severe age anxiety, as they have gone through more life stages and have a more peaceful mindset, accepting the current situation.
In family education, how do anxious mothers connect current issues with future possibilities?
These mothers construct a domino-like logic system; for example, if a child performs poorly socially, they worry it will affect the child's future development, such as finding friends, lacking resources, or even affecting family establishment.
Is this phenomenon of anticipatory anxiety common?#
Yes, this phenomenon of anticipatory anxiety is very common; many mothers experience unnecessary anxiety due to societal templates, stereotypes, and pressures from family social networks.
What are the main sources of social age anxiety?
Social age anxiety primarily arises from societal and individual levels. At the societal level, it stems from rigid templates and pressures, such as age requirements for exams (like civil service or teacher qualification exams) and societal ages for childbirth; at the individual level, it arises from conflicts between self-perception and external expectations.
How should we view modern society's obsession with social age?
Modern society is indeed overly obsessed with social age, but many so-called social age regulations can be broken. For example, the phenomenon of age-gap relationships proves that age restrictions are not insurmountable. For those facing unavoidable social ages, such as civil service age and women's childbirth age, a rational approach and adjustment of perceptions are necessary.
How to cope with age anxiety?#
Methods to cope with age anxiety include: breaking down rigid societal stereotypes, accepting and adjusting one's perceptions; setting small goals for different age stages and taking rational approaches to achieve them; at the same time, lowering goal pressure, focusing on current growth and experiences, and enjoying every progress in life.
What advice do you have for those who are overly anxious and lack motivation?
I suggest that such individuals take practical actions, such as setting achievable small goals to change their current situation and putting them into practice. If they still cannot adjust themselves, they can seek help from external support systems. At the same time, it is essential to recognize the positive side of anxiety, as it reflects an individual's responsible attitude toward life; moderate anxiety can be transformed into positive planning and action.
Housework, childbirth, and marriage choices: How to price modern family life?#
Why is it difficult to accurately price the work of housewives?#
It is challenging to accurately price housework primarily because the intensity of housework is difficult to quantify, and prices are mainly determined by supply and demand rather than simple physical labor intensity. Additionally, housewives often work long and irregular hours, and the quality of their labor is usually higher than that of general market housekeeping services, making pricing a complex issue.
Why is pricing the work value of housewives a meaningful research topic?
This is a very meaningful research topic because it focuses on the social value of housewives in providing housework and overall family services, a value that has not yet been fully quantified in the market, despite widespread societal attention. This involves supply and demand relationships, labor market rules, and the potential value of housewives as quality service providers.
Is it possible to calculate the average salary level of full-time housewives from an economic perspective?
Yes, by referencing the average hourly wage of the service industry in urban China and combining it with the working hours of full-time housewives (e.g., working 6 days a week for 12 hours a day), one can estimate a rough average salary level, approximately between 10,000 to 11,000 yuan. However, this figure may vary based on the family's service requirements and the quality of labor.
Besides actual service value, what other difficult-to-quantify values do housewives provide?#
In addition to providing housework, housewives also bear the responsibility of accompanying children's education, which is difficult to replace with hired help or tutors. They also forgo opportunities for career growth, incurring higher opportunity costs. Moreover, the emotional value of housewives is significant; they need to continuously provide emotional support and comfort to family members, which cannot be directly measured in monetary terms.
In an economically dependent relationship, why do men feel the need to prove themselves after starting a business?
This economic disparity can lead to different psychological relaxations or pressures; even if there is mutual respect between spouses, men may seek to demonstrate economic strength through entrepreneurship to achieve balance and recognition in family status.
Do full-time housewives often receive mental encouragement and comfort? Does the loss of social interaction opportunities increase their stress?#
Indeed, this issue exists; full-time housewives often do not receive sufficient emotional support and affirmation despite investing a lot of time and energy, making them very much in need of emotional value from their partners. Yes, full-time housewives lose the natural social circles formed during work, leading to a lack of emotional support sources, which increases their expectations for emotional comfort from their partners.
Can the work value of housewives be measured in monetary terms, and what is the reasonable salary range for housewives?
According to discussions, if the work of housewives is quantified, first-tier cities might offer a monthly salary of around 10,000 to just over 10,000 yuan, while high-end family services, like those provided by Ma Yun's family nanny, could reach salaries of 50,000 to 80,000 yuan, but such cases are exceptional.
Is there an ideal situation where housewives can exchange work with each other to solve housework issues and avoid emotional conflicts?
Theoretically, this is a good idea, but in practice, it involves emotional and psychological factors that complicate the situation. Although from a labor perspective, having three housewives work in different families can maximize resource utilization, in practice, emotional needs may lead to conflicts and disagreements.
Why has the marriage rate declined as women's education levels have increased?
As women's education levels rise, their competitiveness in the workplace increases, labor participation rates rise, and incomes improve, leading some women who could marry or not to choose not to marry or to marry conditionally, resulting in a decline in marriage rates. This trend is prevalent globally and is irreversible unless the demand for physical labor significantly decreases.
What significant changes occurred in the Chinese gaming market in 2012 and 2013?
In 2012 and 2013, the Chinese gaming market underwent a significant shift from being dominated by PC games to being led by mobile games. This transition led to a large number of users shifting from PC to mobile platforms, especially with the emergence of mobile games like "Honor of Kings," effectively meeting people's spiritual needs and providing better entertainment options during leisure time, thereby somewhat weakening the demand for marriage.
What impact has the popularity of smartphones had on marriage?#
The popularity of smartphones has rapidly satisfied material and spiritual needs to some extent, narrowing the gap between prices offered to individuals and those offered to multiple people, thereby significantly diminishing the positive benefits brought by marriage. This has led many young people to begin questioning the economic logic and appeal of cohabitation.
Is marriage a high-quality option for individuals?
Whether marriage is a high-quality option varies from person to person. Based on personal experience, if one is lucky enough to find a suitable partner, they can accompany each other and grow together; however, if luck is not on their side, it may not be an ideal choice. In the modern environment, due to economic pressures and educational costs, more and more people choose to remain unmarried or marry later, viewing childbirth as a social responsibility and personal moral obligation rather than merely personal enjoyment.
Do modern young people yearn for traditional notions of a happy family life?#
For modern young people born in the 90s and 95s, there is considerable doubt about whether they yearn for traditional notions of a happy family life. Modernity itself is a battlefield, with high work pressure and fast-paced living leading them to prefer self-rejuvenation and leisure entertainment over the traditional notion of couples relying on each other and sharing household responsibilities.
What are the main reasons for the declining birth rate in the current social context?
The main reasons for the declining birth rate include the accelerated process of urbanization leading to atomized living, quality public services reducing reliance on marriage to meet needs; increased education levels among women and the pursuit of personal choices leading to more late marriages or unmarried individuals; and rising costs of raising children and extended child-rearing periods in developed economies, making childbirth a long-term investment with a lengthy return cycle, thereby reducing the willingness to have children.
In today's society, do most parents realize the immense responsibility they bear in educating their children?#
Not necessarily; many parents, when faced with pressures of school admissions and limited educational resources, may blame the previous generation or consider it the child's issue, neglecting their own responsibilities. They may feel that if their child cannot get into a good school or meet expectations, they are not competent parents. This mindset leads to a decline in birth rates, as people's expectations for childbirth become more cautious and responsible.
What is the key issue regarding China's current population problem?#
The core of China's population problem lies in the aging population structure rather than an excess total population. Maintaining a population scale of 1.3 to 1.4 billion may be dangerous for China, and the current issue is the rapid pace of aging rather than an overabundance of population. Therefore, the key is how to address the social problems brought about by aging rather than merely controlling population numbers.
What are the deeper educational issues behind the "double reduction" policy?
The "double reduction" policy is essentially a profound reform of the current educational screening mechanism. The existing education system selects students qualified for higher educational resources through exams like the college entrance examination and the high school entrance examination, while the double reduction aims to alleviate parental burdens and promote students' ability to learn easily under normal classroom conditions, discovering truly intelligent children and allowing them to unleash their potential during a relaxed childhood rather than consuming excessive energy too early.
Does the phenomenon of tutoring lead to unequal distribution of educational resources?#
Yes, the tutoring phenomenon leads to unequal distribution of educational resources; rural children, due to financial constraints, cannot access the same quality educational resources but face the same competitive pressures as urban children, which not only wastes the talents and abilities of rural children but also causes the country to suffer losses in selecting and cultivating outstanding talents.
Is the self-media industry still a good path for young people?
I do not recommend that young people consider self-media as their first choice. The self-media industry faces commercial model challenges, such as the contradiction between making big money and not being regulated, and between expressing the truth and audience perception differences. Additionally, creators must bear the social responsibility of being subject to online violence, and the industry has low returns, high risks, and difficulties in scaling, making long-term development challenging. Only a very small number of creators with extremely high traffic who are willing to take on significant risks can succeed in this industry.
In the education sector, are there phenomena where courses for young children sell very well but are not well understood by the outside world?#
Yes, there are courses aimed at young children, such as speech courses, that can sell 700,000 to 800,000 copies in one night, and these courses are relatively inexpensive, costing only a few hundred yuan. This phenomenon is rarely reported in the news, so the public is not aware. Additionally, new mothers often do not have high expectations when purchasing such courses, believing that an investment of a few hundred yuan is not significant and will not affect the birth rate.
What issues arise for content creators regarding the traffic they accumulate?#
As content creators accumulate more traffic, they also accumulate more opponents. When you invest a preference in the market through content, the number of people who like that preference is limited; as the traffic spreads, more people with negative attitudes toward that preference will be exposed. For example, a creator with millions of followers may face dissatisfaction and criticism from hundreds of thousands or even more people.
How should content creators respond to a large number of negative evaluations and opposing voices?
Content creators should be mentally prepared to bear social responsibility; the larger the traffic, the more criticism and opposing voices there will be, which is part of the job. When facing negative public opinion, they should not complain but instead endure silently and learn and grow from it. At the same time, this is also a form of social responsibility that content creators need to undertake.
With current educational resources being more abundant, why do parents still feel increasingly pressured? When will this competition ease?#
The increase in educational resources has not alleviated competitive pressure; instead, it has brought competition forward to the stage of childbirth, meaning that preparations for competition begin even before having children. Moreover, in large cities, many parents are beneficiaries of education and firmly believe that education changes destiny, making them more willing to provide their children with better education, creating a vicious cycle. It is expected that when this generation personally experiences and realizes that the benefits of education are not as great as imagined, societal consensus will change, potentially leading to some degree of competition easing. This easing may require this generation to become parents and personally feel that the actual benefits of a college degree do not meet expectations, resulting in new societal consensus on children's education issues, thereby reducing expectations and pressures on children. Additionally, the global trend of increasing government economic intervention may also impact future society.
Why does such a turning point occur every 30 years?#
This is because the decision-makers of an era are generally older, and the social problems they experienced in their youth become the driving force for their reforms. They attempt to solve the social problems accumulated over the previous 30 years, and once they achieve their vision, new problems arise. This transformative conflict is intense, and the shift is rapid; from the late 1970s to around 2008, market forces grew wildly, after which there was a shift to government-led economic policies.
What are the differences between government-led and market-led economic models?#
When the market leads, efficiency is higher, and total increments are larger; during government-led periods, it is more equitable, focusing on welfare and addressing poverty and fair distribution issues. The two swing back and forth like a pendulum, trying to find a balance.
How long will this transition last?
The duration cannot be predicted, but historical patterns show that significant changes occur every 30 years. Whether an era of efficiency and fairness can coexist in the future will depend on factors such as technological development.
For young people in the current cycle, how should they cope?
Young people should not put too much pressure on themselves and accept the reality that economic growth is unsustainable. They should not be overly concerned about whether their personal achievements surpass those of their parents, as economic miracles are not sustainable norms. Young people should lower their expectations, find market gaps and growth in their small environments, and leverage their advantages and learning abilities to adapt to and seize new opportunities.
Is recruitment easier now than before?#
In fact, recruitment is more challenging now. As talented individuals tend to maintain the status quo, the number of resumes in the market increases, screening costs rise, and companies find it difficult to locate suitable core employees.
In modern society, do individuals face a question regarding whether to join the competition in their career choices and lifestyles?
Yes, in modern society, people must confront this question in various aspects of their lives, including career behavior, marriage, and childbirth—whether to participate in this war-like social competition.
Can economic theories fully address real-life issues, such as the choices of housewives?
No. While economics provides a speculative tool, it is based on the assumption of rational individuals, whereas people in the real world are not entirely rational. Regarding housewives' choices, in addition to economic considerations, there are also personal emotions, happiness, and various factors; each person's value recognition of different roles is also different.
From the perspective of economic research on housewives, should we encourage those from lower-income families to work as nannies for higher economic returns?
According to economic research, if family income is low, housewives can choose to work as nannies to achieve better economic conditions. In practice, the value of housewives can be reflected through the pricing in the labor market; for example, if one family is willing to pay 8,000 yuan while a neighboring family is willing to pay 11,000 yuan, the income a housewife gains in this process is the difference between the two amounts.
Can the value of housewives be determined through economic calculations?
While it is possible to calculate the value of individual labor power from an economic perspective, such as the "value" of a life or a housewife, in real life, such calculations often cannot be directly applied. The value of life and labor is difficult to measure accurately and involves many ethical and emotional considerations.
Should everyone have a short-term achievable goal and experience happiness through overcoming challenges?
Yes, having short-term achievable goals and experiencing some setbacks during the process is more conducive to generating personal happiness. If goals are smooth sailing or there is no clear goal, individuals may feel lost and desolate.
In industries like content creation, how should one address the issue of lacking a sense of achievement while pursuing goals?#
Content creators may encounter the problem of feeling empty despite being occupied with time and energy during the creative process, as it is challenging to determine whether the goals they pursue are genuinely desired. To solve this issue, it is essential to find specific goals that can address real-life challenges while also bringing happiness, such as growth; although this growth may induce anxiety, it serves as a quantifiable and realistic indicator in the real world.
Is it advisable for men to set aside more alone and leisure time for themselves in the new year?#
Yes, it is advisable for men not to fill their time completely but to leave some space for themselves, whether in emotional or temporal solitude, as this can help stimulate great ideas and smart decisions.