Sonder" is a relatively new word coined by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. It describes a profound realization: that each passerby you encounter has a life as vivid and complex as your own. Every person you meet—whether a stranger on the street, a cashier at a store, or someone driving past—has their own unique experiences, dreams, struggles, and personal narratives. These people exist fully outside of your perception, with rich inner lives and a vast web of relationships, memories, and emotions.It’s the sudden awareness that you're not the center of the world, but part of a larger, interconnected human experience. This term can evoke a sense of humility or awe, as you reflect on the individuality and significance of every person you may otherwise overlook.The word encourages empathy, helping you to appreciate the shared complexity of human life, even among those you may never know intimately. It's like being aware of the invisible stories that surround you in everyday life.