In her book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott reflects on her experiences growing up and the feelings of solitude she often encountered. She suggests that young people who learn to embrace loneliness tend to gravitate towards two extreme paths in life: becoming either a writer or a career criminal. This observation highlights a deeper truth about the complexity of solitude and its influence on character development.

By connecting the themes of isolation and creative expression, Lamott underscores the idea that solitude can shape one's perspective and drive. Writers often harness their experiences of being alone to fuel their creativity, while others may choose less constructive outlets. This dichotomy illustrates how different responses to solitude can lead to markedly different life choices.