Hermits: The Insights of SolitudeThe notion of the hermit is a tantalizing one. Ours is an age which seems to be obsessed with relationships: solitude is equated with loneliness and sterility. Freud developed the notion that sexuality naturally demands fulfilment, and frustration leads to deviant behaviour. We now believe that we are born to be social, to interact with others, and to attach ourselves. Hermits stand as a model of another kind of existence, one in which solitude is exalted and leads not to sterility but deeper insight and wisdom. |
Contents
The Emergence of the Individual | 1 |
The Desert Fathers | 20 |
The Russian Startsy | 52 |
Copyright | |
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Abbas Abbot advice Ambrose Antisthenes ascetic asceticism asked became become began brother called Castillon du Perron cell century Charles de Foucauld Christ Christian Church civilisation contemplative Cynics Desert Fathers Diogenes disciples divine Emerson experience faith famous feel felt follow forest Gethsemani give Greek heart hermit hermitage holy human humility Huvelin ibid India insights inspired Jesus journal knower Leonid live Macarius monastery monastic monk Mount Athos nature Nazareth never op.cit Optina Patmos peace person philosophy Poemen poor poverty prayer Quoted Mott Ramakrishna religion religious replied Robert Lax Russia Scete settle Seven Storey Mountain silence skete society Socrates solitary solitude soul spiritual starets startsy stay story teaching things Thomas Merton Thoreau thought told tradition Trappists Tuareg visitors Walden Walden Pond words writing wrote