Hedgehog's dilemma

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The hedgehog's dilemma, or sometimes the porcupine dilemma, is a metaphor about the challenges of human intimacy. It describes a situation in which a group of hedgehogs seek to move close to one another to share heat during cold weather. They must remain apart, however, in order to avoid hurting one another with their sharp spines. Though they all share the intention of a close reciprocal relationship, this cannot occur, for reasons they cannot avoid. Arthur Schopenhauer conceived this metaphor for the state of the individual in society. Despite goodwill, humans cannot be intimate without the risk of mutual harm, leading to cautious and tentative relationships. It could be seen as wise to be guarded with others for fear of getting hurt and also fear of causing hurt; however, this may lead to unsatisfying relationships. The dilemma may encourage self-imposed isolation.

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