Hermit Living: Is There Value in Solitude?

Part I

Hermitage, St. Benedict’s Monastery, Snowmass CO, Photo Ronald Barnett

I recently returned from a 10-day retreat in the high desert of northeastern New Mexico. During this retreat, two days were designated "Hermit Day”, also known as an eremitic day, when meals and scheduled activities were optional, i.e. one could participate or not. These were retreat from the retreat days, a time to withdraw socially and turn more deeply inward. A ancient monastic practice called “guarding of the eyes” was suggested to further the withdrawal by avoiding eye contact.

Withdrawing socially during a retreat is considered normal, even beneficial. But withdrawing from family life, work obligations and social relations — as hermits do — is often viewed with suspicion or skepticism. Sigmund Freud, when asked to define "mental health” said it was the ability to "love and work." Both capacities require significant social engagement and the ability to relate successfully with others.

Evolution favored those who lived in groups, as communal living had clear survival value. Those who thrived passed on their survival genes and social inclinations, while those who lived alone and didn’t often perished. So, are we biologically most suited for social living?

Today, those who struggle to living harmoniously with others in socially constructive ways can often run afoul of the legal system and land in correctional facilities.

Given the above reasons to avoid eremitic living, what motivates people to become hermits? And does their experience offer useful information, even wisdom for us and society at large?

In "Hermits: The Insights of Solitude," Peter France says yes to the latter question and explores the wisdom of solitaries and hermits throughout history. He includes chapters on ancient Chinese and Greek solitaries, the Christian Desert Fathers of 4^th century Egypt, Thoreau at Walden Pond, Sri Ramakrishna, Thomas Merton, and the modern poet Robert Lax, among others. As I’m half through reading this highly engaging treatise, I have asked generative AI (CHATGPT) to summarize a few key points.

• Self-Sufficiency and Inner Contentment: Socrates, a Cynic philosopher, sought wisdom through radical self-sufficiency. He believed true wisdom lies not in expanding our abilities to meet endless desires, but in reducing our desires to match what we already have.

• Understanding Human Nature: Hermits often developed a unique and subtle awareness of human psychology. Their deep introspection fosters insight into the subtleties of the human condition.

• Spiritual Insight and Divine Intimacy: Through solitude, prayer, meditation, and asceticism, many hermits report an intimate connection with the divine.

• Detachment from Social Pressures: By stepping away from societal norms and expectations, hermits are free to explore alternative paths to meaning and truth.

• Practical Wisdom and Guidance: Paradoxically, despite their seclusion, hermits are often sought out for their clarity and counsel, especially in spiritual matters.

• Balancing Solitude and Engagement: Some hermits remain partially connected to the world, suggesting that solitude and engagement, even if experienced as in conflict can coexist — inner silence may enrich outer service.

Overall, France's work suggests that the wisdom of hermits stems from their deliberate embrace of solitude, allowing them to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves, the divine, and the human condition.

Once I finish the book, I’ll return with further reflections — including thoughts on living alone as an “urban hermit” and how meditation may awaken the inner hermit within us all. Stay tuned.