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The world is in a ’state of complete barbarism at the height of civilization‘, mankind (male), ‚an eternally exposed state of destruction‘. (Friedrich Schiller ‚Die ästhetische Erziehung des Menschen‘)
Episode I – Epicurus
Sir William Gell (archaeologist) wanted to make his Italian country estate seem more romantic and hired a scholar who lived in a hut full of books.
Visitors could ask him questions about ancient history – he reportedly answered only in Latin.
The owner of Painshill Park (Surrey, England), Charles Hamilton, had an artificial „hermitage“ pavilion built. He offered a man 700 pounds for seven years if he would live there in complete seclusion: no shaving, no cutting of hair or nails, no leaving the grounds, no talking to visitors.
After three weeks, the hermit was caught drinking in the local tavern. His contract was immediately terminated.
Stowe Landscape Gardens (Buckinghamshire)
Here, the „Hermitage“ was inhabited by a hermit named Father Francis.
He wore long robes, read from religious texts, and led visitors through a moral lesson – in the middle of a walk.
He supposedly lived such a convincingly „medieval“ life that it was unclear whether he was an actor or a true ascetic.
Shropshire Garden – „The Moral Mirror“
• The hermit was to keep a book in which visitors could record their „sins.“
• He was then required to deliver a „suitable moral admonition.“
• Clothing: coarse, brown monk’s habit with a rope belt – summer and winter.
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4. An Unnamed Assignment
„The hermit will pose as a philosopher, poet, or scholar, but without any claim to personal entertainment.
Weekly payment of 1 guinea.
Termination upon any attempt to leave the hut or contact with female visitors“
Ad) Painshill Park (see entry above) – „The 7-Year Plan“
• The hermit had to live in the hut for 7 years.
• Forbidden: Cutting hair, beard, or nails, washing, or shaving.
• No talking to visitors.
• No leaving the property.
• Only plant-based food, served through a hatch.
• Punishment: Immediate termination of contract without pay.
As mentioned, the first candidate failed after 3 weeks in the village pub.
