sonderudmattethed

sonderudmattethed is a neologism that describes the feeling of being simultaneously overwhelmed by the realization of the vastness of other people's lives and the exhaustion that follows this profound awareness. The term combines "sonder," a word coined by John Koenig in his Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, meaning the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, with "udmattethed," which evokes a deep sense of weariness or depletion.

The experience of sonderudmattethed can arise from various situations. It might occur while observing crowds, contemplating the sheer number of individual histories and experiences unfolding simultaneously. It can also be triggered by engaging with social media, where curated glimpses into numerous lives can lead to a feeling of being inundated. This feeling is not necessarily negative, but rather a recognition of the immense interconnectedness and individuality of human existence, coupled with the mental fatigue that such a broad perspective can induce. It highlights the paradox of feeling both intensely connected to humanity and profoundly alone in one's own consciousness.