William James highlights the isolation often felt by intellectuals in their youth, suggesting that true academic institutions should mitigate this loneliness. He argues that a university's value lies in its ability to nurture and support solitary thinkers, fostering an environment where they can thrive and expand their ideas.

Niall Ferguson’s "Kissinger: Volume I" reflects on these themes by examining the formative experiences that shape influential minds. By emphasizing the necessity for intellectual companionship, the book illustrates how a supportive academic setting is crucial for the development of critical thinkers and their contributions to society.