In nearly all cultures of the world, we find people with fascinating life stories, who chose to live differently, in distinctive communities or solitaire. These stories embody a rich legacy from men and women from ancient to modern times that sought to ease their existence by reporting themselves to moral values and proving that humans are more than just physical matter. Call them outcasts, holy people, or fashionable persons but one thing is clear, hermit stories are meant to inspire and depict an alternative vision of human life, full of meaningful content.
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Since the beginning of time society has had structures based on hierarchy and the accumulation of power and wealth. Corruption and injustice affected too many of its members and some refused to take part in this scenography. Their choice? — Living in seclusion. Hermits were the first ones to approach such an extreme lifestyle but the idea of living off-grid with little means started to come back to life a few decades ago. They chose to live peacefully with the planet, in isolated areas, inside a small community, or just alone somewhere on the top of a mountain. They found meaning in this choice, a better existence, and a happier life. Some become hermits for religious reasons, others choose to make a statement against society. Regardless of the reasons, religious or secular, hermits looked for a way out of society and its misery.
It seems that their stories are relevant today more than ever. Contemporary society suffers from overconsumption, pollution, and waste, losing its personal connection with nature. In the remote past, people had transmitted stories about other people that have been famous through their lifestyle. Not glossy but eremitic and independent, governed by personal spiritual values. Examples of successful communities that live a parallel life were the monastic orders of Christianity and, more recently, communities such as the Amish in the U.S.A. Of course, this model raises many ethical questions. If one recognizes the erroneous within the society, is it just to retreat or should he try to make it right? Is complicity synonymous with…
