UKC

I enjoyed listening to Will Self on Radio 4 last night, talking about why he has become a recluse. Sardonic but also interesting and insightful. Its a single, stand-alone programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0024cvm

Thanks for the heads up

The reclusive, robed Self is his most charming incarnation yet, I found. Which is paradoxical now that he has eschewed society entirely. Maybe that's the point.

I heard this broadcast on Radio 4, and still hear the laconic, self-assured style, which is a little irritating. I part way through thought, "well most people cannot afford to be a recluse, either fiscally, or to some extent, socially." He can afford it, presumably, since he has already earned his stash, so does not need to go out and work to earn his keep, or can do the odd bit from home. Plus, presumably his family do not need him per se(?).

Thanks for that. He wrote a nice piece on solitary walking (in the early 2000s, I think) but I can’t find an online version, unfortunately

I can see the attraction though.  I feel a bit that way myself.  More than a bit if I’m honest.

So start doing the lottery on the quiet. You never know, you may come up trumps (god forbid that you had him to contend with), and win a fortune. Thence you could head to your hermitage, or quiet place.

Or, perhaps more pragmatically, carve out some time every day and every week to be away from people.  The urge to be alone and reflect doesn't have to be satisfied by 100% disconnection, but it's bad to ignore it.

I recommend gardening.

It keeps me going out soloing and bouldering by myself on the Staffordshire grit. It's easy enough to find places where you can spend hours alone if you have the luxury of being able to climb midweek. There are times when I want to enjoy the companionship and craic of climbing with mates - but there are also times when the only thing I want to hear is the noise of the wind and the cries of curlews and crows.

I'll be careful not to intrude!

I'm easy to recognise. I'm the bloke who spends 90% of his time sitting on his mat and admiring the view.

How can he seriously describe himself as a 'recluse', if he's going on national radio to talk about it? Is the entire thing an elaborate joke?

We scientists refer to this as the Paradox of Self.