It is evident then, that as I see nothing but what is far from being retired, in the forced retreat of an island, the thoughts being in no composure suitable to a retired condition, no, not for a great while; so I can affirm, that I enjoy much more solitude in the middle of the greatest collection of mankind in the world, I mean at London, while I am writing this, than ever I could say I enjoyed in eight and twenty years confinement to a desolate island.

Were it possible that a human creature could grow up to manhood in some solitary place, without any communication with his own species, he could no more think of his own character, of the propriety or demerit of his own sentiments and conduct, of the beauty or deformity of his own face. … Bring him into society, and he is immediately provided with the mirror which he wanted before. It is placed in the countenance and behaviour of those he lives with, which always mark when they enter into, and when they disapprove of his sentiments.