Wisdom is attained when the body is in solitude, which means that when the body is not overfed with earthly food, when it is not being used entirely for physical and mental labors, it becomes the temple of God. Wisdom is attained when the mind is in solitude; that is to say, when the thoughts are no longer permitted to run at random, the light of intelligence may illuminate it.

Wisdom is attained in the solitude of heart; that is to say, when there is no love but God, when there is full dependence upon God and devotion to God, Wisdom is the natural result.

At the same time, Wisdom gives more scope to heart, mind and body; this permits love for everybody or for anything, this inspires every type of mental and moral aspiration, this gives the body such an education and stimulation that it may have a maximum of health and pleasure. In this there is no separation, it is the fulfillment of unity even in the outer life. By solitude, living in oneness is meant -- whether alone or in the crowd, whether in the desert or forest or city.

Mystics do leave inhabited places when the influences are too strong -- and rightly. The need is to find God, and when anything interferes with this it is proper to withdraw from society.

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