This is one of my most favorite essays and I think about it daily. I increasingly believe that modern workplace, with its emphasis on open space plans and team work, gradually develops groupthink that can be potentially destructive. [1]
It is not only the absorption of others' opinions. It is impossible to pause and critically evaluate thoughts for several minutes when not alone. Mistakes remain unidentified mainly because no one had a moment to discover them; conversely, they might get dismissed if their understanding requires larger amount of time. It is difficult to think for oneself. I work in a management/economic consultancy and see this every day.
How can "solitude" enter work?
[1] The Organization Man by William Whyte, a classic management book from the 50s, is a relevant resource for a critical analysis of a workplace along these lines.
It is not only the absorption of others' opinions. It is impossible to pause and critically evaluate thoughts for several minutes when not alone. Mistakes remain unidentified mainly because no one had a moment to discover them; conversely, they might get dismissed if their understanding requires larger amount of time. It is difficult to think for oneself. I work in a management/economic consultancy and see this every day.
How can "solitude" enter work?
[1] The Organization Man by William Whyte, a classic management book from the 50s, is a relevant resource for a critical analysis of a workplace along these lines.