Family Quote by Michael Finkel
““In eighteenth-century England, a fad swept the upper class. Several families felt their estate needed a hermit, and advertisements were placed in newspapers for “ornamental hermits” who were slack in grooming and willing to sleep in a cave. The job paid well, and hundreds of hermits were hired, typically on seven-year contracts, with one meal a day included. Some would emerge at dinner parties and greet guests. The English aristocracy of this period believed hermits radiated kindness and thoughtfulness, and for a couple of decades it was deemed worthy to keep one around.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Hermit Craze” by Michael Finkel, The Atlantic, 2014
Wealthy 18th‑century English families hired ornamental hermits to project kindness and thoughtfulness, turning solitude into a status symbol.
In simple terms: Rich people hired fake hermits for image.
Key Takeaway
Consider how appearances can mask true values.
Themes
status
image
class
solitude
performance
Mood
ironic
critical
thoughtful
Type
historical
satirical
commentary
When to use this quote
- party planning
- interior design
- branding strategies
- historical reenactments
Key Concepts
Social history
cultural satire
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does hiring a “hermit” say about societal values?
- How do we today display authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Modern equivalents may lack the same cultural context.
