Sonder is defined as that moment when you realize that everyone around you has an internal life as rich and as conflicted as yours. Everyone has noise in their heads. Everyone thinks that they are right, and that they have suffered affronts and disrespect at the hands of others. Everyone is afraid. And everyone realizes that they are also lucky.

Now imagine this isn’t an experiment but the shape of a life: instead of waiting for a ball to come your way in a silly game of catch, you’re waiting for anyone to call or drop by or speak your name. You can’t even express it, but you’re hungering for some sign that you are known.

Sonder is defined as that moment when you realize that everyone around you has an internal life as rich and as conflicted as yours.