Hermitix Silence and Solitude, Weil and Wittgenstein with Guy Stagg
19 snips
Jul 16, 2025 
Guy Stagg, an award-winning British writer known for his explorations of travel and mental health, delves into the themes of solitude and retreat. He discusses his experiences within religious communities and how they influence creativity. Stagg reflects on the complex interplay of solitude and community, drawing from thinkers like Wittgenstein and Weil. The conversation highlights the transformative power of retreat, not as mere leisure but essential for self-discovery. He emphasizes the importance of silence and companionship in navigating the paradox of isolation.
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Stagg's Pilgrimage and Inspiration
- Guy Stagg walked from Canterbury to Jerusalem staying with religious communities, which greatly influenced him.
- He explored how retreat affected thinkers like Wittgenstein, Weil, and David Jones, inspiring his book The World Within.
The High Cost of Retreat
- Retreats offer an absolute answer to life’s balance, especially attractive to young adults with fewer ties.
- The costs of such sacrifice often become evident as one ages and faces life's longevity.
Common Threads Among Three Thinkers
- Wittgenstein, Weil, and Jones shared ascetic lifestyles marked by few possessions and unconventional careers.
- Their lives showed a stark but inspiring model of creative and intellectual commitment.
