Balance

The stereotypical motive of the recluse is social failure. An unattractive personality and psychological issues may make a person incapable of normal interrelat...

Hermits and hagiography

Seen positively, hagiography is a form of stereotyping, an attempt to pattern certain behaviors and virtues in a model saint or holy person. Seen negatively, it...

William of St. Thierry

In his Golden Letter, the medieval theologian Wiliam of St. Thierry reflects on an insight he had as a result of a several weeks’ stay at the Chartreuse o...

Travel

Travel is often recommended as educational, as a way of appreciating different cultures and increasing one’s tolerance and fellowship. But I have seldom s...