Relationships

It was once considered praiseworthy, within the tradition of eremitic monasticism. Essentially, being away from others was thought to bring a hermit monk closer to God.

In general, humans are an extremely social species, as are all great apes, so having no desire for social relationships is unusual.

Martin said:

It was once considered praiseworthy, within the tradition of eremitic monasticism

In Christian monasticism it was considered worthy but most still desired romantic or close human relationships, yet they chose to embrace ‘higher causes’.

Martin said:

It was once considered praiseworthy, within the tradition of eremitic monasticism

In Christian monasticism it was considered worthy but most still desired romantic or close human relationships, yet they chose to embrace ‘higher causes’.

Being a hermit must have attracted some people with a less social nature. Monastic communal living was a respected alternative available.

The pious ascetic Nikephoros II Phokas was a soldier and became emperor of Byzantium. He lived in the incredible luxury of the Great Palace in Constantinople. However, he habitually slept on the floor and after he was assassinated by his nephew, John I Tzimiskes, it was discovered that under his imperial purple robes he wore a hair shirt to mortify his flesh.