Every year our library chooses a “One Book, One Valley” selection. This year it was The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit. This story is about a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years. In 1986, Christopher Knight left his home and disappeared into the forest. He did not have a conversation with another human being until three decades later when arrested for stealing food. He lived in a tent year around and developed ways to store edibles and water, and to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothing, reading material, and other provisions. Michael Finkel, a journalist, interviewed Knight and authored the book about the solitude and isolation that this “hermit” experienced.
The book was an easy read and the library offered various programs that addressed issues raised in the book such as homelessness, solitude, isolation, and how to survive in the woods. I resonated with questions about what aloneness and solitude might mean. I would not choose to withdraw from society, but I see the value of solitude, especially related to being outdoors.
Solitude can be a purposeful and enriching experience. Aloneness is a neutral or positive state of being by oneself, often chosen for personal reasons. It can be refreshing. Loneliness, however, is a negative emotional state stemming from a lack of meaningful connections. I value and seek community connections often and also enjoy solitude. Those possibilities are not mutually exclusive. What one does comes down to the opportunities for choice.
I appreciate solitude and silence in the outdoors. As an introvert, I enjoy self-sufficiency and contentment. Solitude in nature allows me a tranquil environment away from the craziness of the world. Finkel suggested that each of us should consider spending just 5 minutes in solitude every day—something that few people do. Solitude and silence provide a necessary space for self-reflection to bring more perspectives to daily relationships.
According to the book, the hermit did not contemplate his situation. He chose to not relate to people as he focused on how to stay alive. In trying to understand him, however, one can wonder about how and why an individual might choose this life year after year. I am grateful that I can temporarily experience solitude and aloneness, and that I also have meaningful social connections.