The Art of Manliness The Stranger in the Woods — The Story of the Last True Hermit
Jun 21, 2021
Michael Finkel, author of 'The Stranger in the Woods,' shares the extraordinary tale of Christopher Knight, who embraced 27 years of solitude in the Maine woods. They discuss Knight's motivations for isolation and the profound meaning of individuality in our connected world. Finkel highlights the survival strategies Knight employed and the ethical dilemmas of living off the land. The conversation also reflects on the historical significance of hermitism and the contemporary tension between social connection and the need for solitude.
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Chris Knight's story
- In 1986, Christopher Knight went into the Maine woods, living alone for 27 years.
- He had zero human contact until discovered in 2013, becoming known as the "Hermit of the North Pond."
Why Knight Left and Stayed
- Chris Knight's reason for leaving was simple: discomfort around others.
- But his reason for staying was profound: he enjoyed solitude and found contentment.
No consensus on diagnosis
- Therapists tried to analyze Chris Knight but couldn't find anything "wrong".
- He simply preferred and enjoyed solitude.
