“Sonder” is a term coined by John Koenig in his project The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. It refers to the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.
Key Aspects of “Sonder”:
- Vivid Realization: It’s the sudden awareness that everyone around you—strangers, people you pass on the street, or see from a distance—has their own thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences that are just as rich and detailed as yours.
- Perspective: “Sonder” encourages a broader perspective, where you recognize the complexity of other people’s lives. It’s about understanding that others have their own struggles, joys, dreams, and routines that are equally important, even if you may never know them.
- Emotional Impact: This realization can be humbling, inspiring, or even overwhelming, as it shifts your focus from being the center of your own story to seeing yourself as part of a much larger, interconnected human experience.
Example:
Imagine sitting in a busy café and suddenly realizing that each person around you has a life full of stories, memories, and emotions that you will never fully know. That moment of recognition is what “sonder” captures.
While “sonder” isn’t an official word in traditional dictionaries, it has gained popularity because it beautifully encapsulates a profound human experience that many people can relate to.
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