The Temptation of Escape in Modern Life

At some point, many men—young and old alike—experience a deep longing to retreat from society. You might dream of disappearing to a secluded spot, like a quiet New England forest, a rundown trailer in Montana, or a van parked along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. It’s a strong urge, especially when overwhelmed by all the noise of today’s world, including social media and the internet.

I’ve felt that pull myself, more than once. After reading “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau in high school, I was captivated by the idea of spending a year in a cabin by a pond. I used to take his books into the woods, light a small fire by a stream, and read for hours, imagining what life would be like living simply in a hut. For a time in my early twenties, I found myself dreaming about moving to Montana. Quite an ambitious fantasy, right?

It’s hard not to understand why some men might crave to escape today’s world. We’re constantly surrounded by screens, 24/7, be it smartphones or computers. The impact of social media and dating apps can be draining, contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression. We were promised freedom, yet here we are—feeling enslaved instead. Our attention spans have shriveled. We hardly engage with life outside; it’s all too easy to get lost in the glow of our devices.

In a perfect world, we could move all our responsibilities to a cozy yurt. But, of course, that world doesn’t really exist. Everyone needs recognition, and running away doesn’t really take away the existential fears that come with modern life.

We’re stuck here, for better or worse—often worse, though some aspects, like modern medicine, have improved our lives. We don’t have control over everything, especially with technology shaping our environment in ways we never agreed to. So, the best approach might not be to run but rather to take small, daily actions to improve our surroundings, making them more human-friendly.

Instead of escaping to a yurt, consider reducing your phone time. Cut back on social media scrolling and dedicate more time to reading actual books. Instead of channeling Thoreau, take long walks in nature. Watch classic films rather than the usual Netflix offerings. Spend quality time with loved ones, and if you need some solitude, maybe find peace in a church instead of a makeshift outdoor space.

The allure of that kind of escape is real, but perhaps we don’t need to escape at all.