Hermit

A hermit, also known as an eremite, is a person who lives in seclusion. The term eremitism refers to this way of life.

Many people choose this path to withdraw from society. In a religious context, they seek solitude for prayer or spiritual discipline. In modern everyday language, the word describes anyone living apart from others for any reason. This lifestyle can be a personal choice or a religious vocation.

In Christianity, the eremitic life has specific religious roots. It is often connected to the Desert Theology found in the Old Testament. This theology refers to the forty years of wandering in the desert to bring about a change of heart. Eremitism was an early form of religious living. It actually preceded the monastic life found in a cenobium, which is a community of monks. In the Rule of St. Benedict, hermits are listed as one of four kinds of monks.

Different religious traditions recognize various types of solitary living. In the Roman Catholic Church, there are different ways to be a hermit. Some belong to religious institutes. Others are recognized as diocesan hermits under the direction of a bishop. The Evangelical-Lutheran Churches and parts of the Anglican Communion also recognize this life. In the Episcopal Church, these individuals are often called "solitaries" rather than hermits.

History provides many notable examples of early eremitic life. In the 3rd century, Paul of Thebes lived as a hermit in Egypt. He is often called St. Paul the first hermit. During the 4th century, Antony of Egypt became a very famous figure. His life was recorded in a biography by Athanasius of Alexandria. Before the Egyptian tradition, there were Syrian solitaries known as "sons of the covenant." These people practiced special religious disciplines.

Living conditions for hermits have varied greatly through the centuries. Many lived in isolated cells or hermitages. These could be natural caves or man-made buildings. They were often located in deserts or deep forests.

In the Middle Ages, some hermits lived near cities. They might work as ferrymen or gatekeepers to earn money. Some even became so popular that they had many disciples. This meant they no longer enjoyed true physical solitude.

One specific type of solitary living is known as anchoritic life. An anchorite is a person who withdraws from the world. The word comes from the Greek term meaning "to depart into the country outside the city."

Anchorites lived in a small cell called an anchorhold. These were often built directly against a church. A local bishop would lead a ceremony to brick up the door. A small window called a "squint" allowed them to hear church services. Another window allowed neighbors to deliver food and necessities.

Many other world religions feature people living an ascetic way of life. This means they live with very few possessions. Examples include practitioners in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam through Sufism, and Taoism.

In Hinduism, one might see a Sadhu living this way. These diverse traditions show that the desire for solitude is a global human experience. Whether for religious devotion or personal peace, the hermit seeks meaning in quietness.