The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day is a multifaceted narrative, weaving together her spiritual odyssey and the transformative power of literature. It recounts a journey marked by detours that ultimately led Day back to her chosen spiritual and philosophical path. Through evocative storytelling, Day reflects on the influences that shaped her beliefs, offering a deep and insightful commentary on human nature and society.

Spiritual Journey and Encounters

Day's spiritual pilgrimage was characterized by numerous diversions that provided fresh impetus to her faith. While mingling with radicals and artists at Cape Cod, she encountered Eugene O’Neill reciting Francis Thompson’s poem "The Hound of Heaven." This moment was pivotal, as the idea of divine pursuit resonated deeply with her, prompting a renewed search for life's meaning. This recurring mention of "The Hound of Heaven" in her narrative underscores its significance in her spiritual rediscovery.

Literary Influences

The influence of literature in Day's life is prominently featured in her autobiographical work. Her eclectic reading shaped her complex persona. Upton Sinclair and Pyotr Kropotkin directed her focus toward social justice and the plight of the working class, nudging her toward anarchism. Meanwhile, the writings of Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevski sustained her belief in God, and Nikolai Gogol ignited her faith with fervor. William James introduced her to the virtues of voluntary poverty, while Jack London fueled her radicalism.

However, it was not just contemporary authors who molded her spirituality. The ancient psalmists and New Testament writers were her faithful companions. The fifteenth-century text The Imitation of Christ offered her strength during critical times, with Saint Augustine's works resonating particularly strongly due to similarities in their life paths. Day often cited Augustine to argue that being both a Christian and an anarchist was not contradictory, reflecting her ability to integrate diverse philosophical perspectives.

The Power of Ideas and Human Nature

The Long Loneliness serves as a testament to the power of ideas and a contemplation of human nature's complexities. Day accepted human flaws as a given, attributing the existence of evil to innate imperfections. Her vivid recollections of the humiliations and brutalities experienced during her imprisonments underscore this belief. Childhood memories, such as witnessing the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, where communities banded together to help the displaced, likely influenced her later commitment to communal assistance.

Tradition and Anarchism

Day's emphasis on tradition, ritual, and worship might seem at odds with anarchism, yet she and Peter Maurin envisioned a form of anarchism rooted in Christian principles. Their vision did not advocate for the violent overthrow of societal institutions but rather the creation of self-governing communities. They argued that reliance on the state undermines human dignity and creativity, advocating instead for dependence on God, work, and mutual support. Their belief in the value of overcoming challenges as a path to self-worth and community is encapsulated in Day's assertion that community is "the social answer to the long loneliness."

The Catholic Worker Movement

Day's vision materialized through The Catholic Worker, a radical pacifist publication, which spurred the establishment of New York City's house of hospitality. This initiative blossomed into a network providing food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual sustenance to those in need. The movement also fostered intellectual discourse and retreats, attracting renowned retreat masters. Maurin's "green revolution" took form in communal farms, marking a tangible shift from isolation to community.

Through The Long Loneliness, Day shares her journey from solitude to community, shaped by a rich tapestry of literary, spiritual, and social influences. Her narrative not only chronicles her personal evolution but also challenges readers to consider the possibilities of a life guided by faith, community, and a commitment to social justice.