Should we all be hermits sometimes? Ken Smith lives by himself in a hut he built 40 years ago. He has no electricity and speaks to nobody. He thinks it is the perfect life.
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The man who lives as a hermit (and loves it)
Should we all be hermits sometimes? Ken Smith lives by himself in a hut he built 40 years ago. He has no electricity and speaks to nobody. He thinks it is the perfect life.
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What's happening?
A hermitSomeone who has chosen to live away from the rest of society, usually for religious reasons. is somebody who lives away from other people.
Being a hermit is lonely. It is not easy. There is nobody to talk to. Nobody can cheer you up when you are sad.
But one man called Ken likes it. He has lived alone for 40 years.
Find out more
Ken lives in a remote part of Scotland. He built his own house out of wood. He has no electricity. There is no heating and no running water.
Ken grows his own vegetables and eats berries he finds on bushes. He also eats fish which he catches.
But Ken's life is getting harder. He got ill two years ago. Now, he needs help from local friends.
Some people say Ken's life is perfect. Others say it proves we need people to help us.
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Should we all be hermits sometimes?
Some say
Yes! It is good to have some time alone. It is more peaceful. Plus, science shows it can make us kinder and more creative!
Others say
No. We are not meant to be alone. Being a hermit is not as easy as it looks. We should enjoy the time we can spend together!
Keywords
Hermit - Someone who has chosen to live away from the rest of society, usually for religious reasons.
The man who lives as a hermit (and loves it)
Solitary: The so-called Hermit of Treig lives mostly on the fish he catches himself © Uruna Productions Glossary
Hermit - Someone who has chosen to live away from the rest of society, usually for religious reasons.