Vivienne reflects on a possible connection between individuality and loneliness. She begins with artists and public figures, people often associated with originality, responsibility or exceptional ability, but then deliberately broadens the comparison to include criminals and “lunatics”. This prevents the observation from becoming a simple celebration of exceptional people.

Her conclusion is that those who live strongly according to their own character or purpose may become separated from ordinary social life. Independence can create distance from shared assumptions, routines and expectations, making solitude a possible consequence of being markedly different rather than proof of superiority.

The quotation therefore treats loneliness as morally neutral. It may accompany creativity, leadership or independence, but it can also accompany destructive or disordered behaviour. The emphasis is on separation from the group, not on whether the individual deserves admiration.