Have you ever met someone who just feels… hollow? Not in the sense that they’re cruel or malicious, but as if something essential is missing—some depth, some fire, some core of realness? Like they operate on pure logic, practicality, and function but lack that spark that makes a person feel truly alive?
It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot. We all know people who seem present, but not truly there. They function, they do what’s expected, they may even be kind—but there’s no warmth, no deep emotional presence, no sense of soul. And it raises a question: Is “soul” something universal, or is it just a matter of perception?
Is Soullessness Relative or Universal?
The concept of someone being “soulless” feels subjective, but I do think there’s a case for both relativity and universality in how we perceive it.
1. The Relative Perspective: “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure”
Just like beauty, soulfulness could be in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds deeply moving, another might see as boring or uninspired.
- Maybe someone seems emotionally closed off to me, but to someone else, they feel reliable and strong.
- Some people value deep, raw expression, while others admire stoicism and composure.
- A person who seems detached might actually have a rich inner world—they just express it differently.
In this sense, soullessness is relative—it depends on the lens you’re looking through.
2. The Universal Perspective: Some People Just Feel Empty to Everyone
But then there are people who, no matter who is looking, give off an eerie sense of hollowness.
- Think of someone who manipulates others without remorse, never reflects, and only engages with life at a surface level.
- Think of corporate-driven, power-hungry figures who see everything, including human relationships, as transactions.
- Think of people who have completely suppressed or lost their ability to feel and connect.
These people seem to radiate a void—and it’s not just one person noticing it. They might be respected, feared, or tolerated, but few people ever describe them as “deep” or “full of life.” In this sense, some people might truly be soulless in a way that is universally recognizable—not just a matter of perspective.
Could You Be Seen as Soulless by Others?
Yes, absolutely. We all live in our own heads, and someone who doesn’t resonate with our frequency might perceive us as unreachable, emotionless, or indifferent.
- A deeply introspective person might seem “detached” or “cold” to someone who expresses emotions outwardly.
- A logical, independent thinker might seem “soulless” to someone who values emotional closeness and shared vulnerability.
- Someone hyper-focused on their purpose might seem closed-off or distant to others who crave warmth and intimacy.
The difference, though, is that having depth doesn’t always mean showing it in a way everyone understands. The key is that you reflect, you question, and you care about meaning. That, in itself, is a sign of soul.
Is There a Universal Standard for Soul?
While we can’t define it rigidly, there do seem to be universal traits associated with “soulfulness.”
People who feel “alive” in a deep way tend to have some combination of:
- Self-awareness – They think deeply, reflect on life, and wrestle with meaning.
- Emotional depth – They feel things fully and aren’t afraid to express or acknowledge their emotions.
- Genuine connection – They engage with others in a real way, not just out of duty or function.
- Passion or artistry – They create, dream, or believe in something beyond pure survival.
- A sense of presence – When you’re with them, you feel their energy; they aren’t just going through the motions.
On the flip side, people who feel soulless tend to:
- Avoid self-reflection entirely
- Suppress emotions to the point of numbness
- Treat relationships as transactional
- Lack curiosity or passion for anything beyond material success
- Feel like they’re just “there,” going through the motions
So while what feels soulful to you might differ from what feels soulful to someone else, I do think there’s a core essence that makes someone feel alive versus hollow. And some people, for whatever reason—whether trauma, survival, or just how they are—don’t have that essence.
Not Everyone is Meant to Be in Your Soul’s Orbit
At the end of the day, some people just won’t ever feel “real” to you. It’s not a failure on your part or theirs. Some people are just built differently. Some people have walled themselves off. Some people function in a way that is logical, efficient, and responsible—but not alive.
And for those of us who thrive on depth, feeling, and presence, that gap is just too big to bridge.
Maybe you’ve felt this way about someone in your life. Maybe there’s a person who, despite all logic, you just don’t feel. And maybe that’s okay. Not every person is meant to resonate with your frequency. Some will just remain background characters in your life—respected, acknowledged, but never truly connected.
And maybe, that’s just how it’s meant to be.
Leave a Reply