独处是一种能力

Practising Solitude Requires Special Ability

[1]随着科技的迅猛发展，人们的交往、信息的传递变得异常便利，这固然是社会的进步。但也有副作用，那便是使独处似乎越来越难了。[2]电脑、电视等，特别是手机已经成为现代人须臾不可离开的工具，它们简直革命化了人们之间的交往形式。离开了这些，有的人会发慌，不知道该做什么。人们曾经渴望独立，但现在又怕被孤立。过去认为，人的社交是一种能力，可如今发现独处其实需要更强的能力。

[1] The rapid advance of technology has made communication and transmission of data among people extremely convenient. But social progression of this kind nevertheless has a ＂side-effect＂ - solitude is increasingly becoming something that is hard to attain. [2] Computers, television and especially smart phones have revolutionized the way people communicate, becoming their most intimate companions. Some may panic when they are deprived of these things. People used to long for independence but now deeply fear alienation; social intercourse was regarded as a special competence, which has now been overshadowed by the ability to be alone.