Absolutely! Let’s dive into an intriguing topic: the concept of “sonder.”
What is “Sonder”?
“Sonder” isn’t a word you’ll find in the Oxford English Dictionary, but it’s recognized widely from “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows” by John Koenig. Sonder is defined as:
"The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own."
Why is it Interesting?
Imagine sitting in a cafe, looking out at the street. Every person you see—someone arguing on the phone, a delivery person rushing past, a child dragging a parent—each has an inner world as rich and tangled as yours. Their lives are filled with their own routines, dreams, heartbreaks, and tiny joys.
You’re a background character in their story, just as they might be in yours.
Why Does This Matter?
- Connection: It can foster empathy. Realizing everyone is the “main character” in their own life might make us treat others with more kindness and patience.
- Perspective: It humbles our problems and reminds us we’re not alone in facing struggles or aspirations.
- Creativity: Authors and filmmakers use “sonder” to build worlds and characters that feel truer to life (think about the crowd scenes in movies, where each extra could have their own film).
Fun Example:
In the movie “Amélie,” scenes sometimes break away from the protagonist to briefly reveal a stranger’s secret memory or worry. It gives Paris a magical, interconnected feeling—everyone’s story matters.
Would you like to explore more about the philosophy of sonder, or dive into another concept from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows? Or something entirely different?