“The Stigma of Solitude” by Daniel Cline is a short reflective essay in The Bard Observer (from Bard College) that begins with an anecdote and then explores the concept of solitude in philosophy, society, and the popular mind. URL: http://observer.bard.edu/articles/opinions/182.
Kenny Salway, Wisconsin hermit & river rat
Kenny Salway lived the hermit life of a “river rat” on a swampy Mississippi River floodplain in Wisconsin. His story became a BBC/Discovery Channel documentary film screened earlier in 2005. Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed Salway in June. He is promoting a new collection of his adventures and also appealing for environmental educational programs. URLs: http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/state/minnesota/13316344.htm and http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_050611j.cfm.
Thomas Moore on silence
Popular writer and former Catholic monk Thomas Moore reflects on silence in a short article for Resurgence entitled “The Silence of Sounds.” Includes the poem “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda. URL: http://www.resurgence.org/2005/moore233.htm.
“Friends of Silence”
Nan Merrill has pubished a modest newsletter, “Friends of Silence,” for many years as a labor of love. In its pages, she explores silence, solitude, and community with the universe, grand themes but in a gentle and modest tone. In this interview with Heron Dance, she discusses her published books, favorite books, and life-changing experiences.
URL: http://www.herondance.org/page/art/CTGY/merrill.
Wendell Beckwith, Best Island recluse
A Globe and Mail story (Oct. 11, 2005) about Wendell Beckwith, an amateur scientist who lived a reclusive life on Best Island, Ontario (Canada). American-born Beckwith hand-built an elaborate home in the woods, conducted scientific observations, and entertained a stream of visitors before his death at 65 in 1980. The Ministry of Natural Resources is mulling over whether to refurbish the isolated place or let it take its course in the wild. Concludes the article:
Ernie Nichols is a float pilot who lives in Armstrong and is one of the few locals to remember Mr. Beckwith. “He was a very intelligent man, but he was, at heart, a recluse,” he said. “He would have wanted it all just to go back to nature.”