In <What Is Life?>, written by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, there is an expression, “Independence is a political term, not a scientific term.” Independence is the state in which a person can live alone without help or influence from others, using their own strength and ability. The condition of being physically separated from the community is called “isolation.” Independence and isolation are different. Isolation should not be mistaken for independence. To exclude influence and secure autonomy is independence, while deliberately cutting off relationships is isolation. Independence is based on achievement; isolation is based on hurt. To grow, you must be independent, not isolated. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
When dealing with others in good faith and suffering from the reality that the rules and methods of life they believed in are no longer accepted, you should question the “Good Samaritan Complex.” The better a person is, the harder it is to realize that they are confined within a distorted framework. If you see people around you who don’t want to put themselves at a disadvantage for others as you do, or if you’re angry and uncomfortable with the fact that others don’t show their sympathy, you should look back to see if your goodness is a defense mechanism protecting you from being hurt. The problem with Good Samaritans’ lives is not their attitude toward life but rather how they are perceived by others too much. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”