On the Virtues of Being a Hermit
What is the one question, after — “How old are you?” — that every kid gets, from strangers and familiars, blasted from every direction and every corner at every kid in every queue, on every street corner, anywhere a toddler or young kid comes across an adult who does not know them or who hasn’t seen them in awhile?
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
This is the question.
You’re all familiar with the question and you can probably remember your answer, even after decades and decades.
I remember how I answered and it’s been 50 years.
I said proudly and confidently: “I want to be a hermit!”
I said this to many raised eyebrows and puzzled looks.
“I want to live in the woods all by myself,” I would exclaim to my parents’ dismay.
“Oh . . . .” people would say.
It’s true though. I wasn’t making it up. From the moment I became self-aware, for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a hermit.
It’s not that I hate people, it’s just that I prefer to be alone, and I prefer to be alone in nature.
I still do, 50 years later.
This is my life goal: to be a hermit, and I have been unable, thus far, to accomplish…
