Throughout history, a small number of people have chosen to walk away from ordinary life entirely. Some sought spiritual enlightenment, others wanted freedom, peace, or independence. From deserts and mountains to forests and islands, these hermits rejected society’s expectations and built remarkable lives far from the crowds.
#1: Noah John Rondeau’s Adirondack Wilderness Retreat
Disillusioned with industrial society, Noah John Rondeau moved into New York’s Adirondack Mountains in 1929. Drawing on skills learned from wilderness guides and Indigenous knowledge, he built shelters and lived independently. Despite seeking privacy, he became well-known while keeping journals written in secret code.
