Sonder

Thursday, 2024-10-17, Word of the Day: Sonder

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Word of the Day: Sonder

The word sonder came up in one of the articles I chose for the lesson People Watching.

It was coined by John Koenig in his Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.


Sonder is the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.


This profound concept encapsulates the idea that every individual has a rich and intricate inner world that is just as significant as our own.

If you live in the city, you may join thousands of individuals commuting to and from work.

You probably think nothing of it.

However, each person is just like you.

That man before you may be thinking of his pregnant girlfriend or wife.

That grey-bearded man in the corner could be missing a friend who died 30 years ago.

When we experience sonder, we become more empathetic and understanding, recognizing that everyone we encounter carries their own set of hopes, fears, and dreams.

This awareness fosters a sense of connection and compassion, leading to a more profound appreciation for the diversity and depth of human experience.

We have countless opportunities to witness sonder in action daily.

Whether we’re commuting on a crowded train, strolling through a bustling city street, or even just sitting in a cafe, every face we see represents a unique story, a complex web of experiences and emotions.

Embracing sonder allows us to approach each interaction with newfound curiosity and respect, opening the door to deeper, more meaningful connections with those around us.

One thing my experience has taught me is that most of the people around us have a medical condition of some kind.

They may look healthy, but they are still dealing with heart disease, cancer, a sore toe, or a rash in an unmentionable location.

Sonder is the realization that we are all in this world together, unique but joined by shared experiences. 


Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test

This post is understandable by someone with at least a 9th-grade education (age 15).  

On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 57.  

The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100. 




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