Life Lessons from Living Alone in a Ghost Town

Summary

In 2019, Brent Underwood purchased the abandoned ghost town of Cerro Gordo in the California desert, seeking to revitalize it despite overwhelming challenges. Living alone in isolation, he has spent years battling both the physical and mental demands of the project. Brent’s journey reflects themes of purpose, commitment, and loneliness, reminiscent of existential philosophy and the myth of Sisyphus. As he dedicates his life to a seemingly pointless task, he finds meaning in the struggle itself, embracing the freedom that comes with total commitment, even in the face of hardship and uncertainty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brent Underwood bought an abandoned ghost town in 2019, investing his entire life savings in the hopes of revitalizing it and finding deeper meaning away from society.
• 🤔 The idea of escaping to the wilderness is often romanticized, but the reality of isolation, especially during the pandemic, brought unexpected challenges and loneliness for Brent.
• 🔑 Brent’s commitment to Cerro Gordo represents a deeper search for purpose—moving beyond superficial goals to a project that demands total dedication, even if it seems absurd to others.
• 🌵 Living alone in a remote place for years can alter one's relationship with loneliness, with Brent admitting that while solitude offers freedom, it can also become an addictive and difficult state of mind.
• 🚪 Brent’s experience at Cerro Gordo mirrors the existential philosophy of Sisyphus, where the struggle itself becomes the source of meaning, not necessarily the achievement of an end goal.
• 🔥 A pivotal moment in Brent's journey came when the town’s hotel burned down in 2020, prompting him to make a 'burn the boats' decision—either abandon the project or fully commit to it, which ultimately deepened his purpose.
• 💭 Philosophers like Kierkegaard and Camus suggest that finding meaning requires a leap of faith, often through irrational or absurd commitments. Brent's decision to stay at Cerro Gordo reflects this existential belief.
• 🌙 Despite the hardships, Brent feels a deep sense of fulfillment from living at Cerro Gordo, having developed new skills, hobbies, and a connection to the history of the town.
• 👀 The initial romantic appeal of isolation in the wilderness is revealed as a form of escapism, but the realization comes that personal issues still persist, regardless of location.
• 💬 The freedom of commitment—true freedom comes not from being able to do anything but from focusing on what matters and removing distractions, which Brent found in dedicating himself to the town.
• ⛏️ Just like William Burro Schmidt’s 38-year-long tunnel project that seemed pointless but gave his life purpose, Brent’s efforts at Cerro Gordo are about finding meaning in the process, not the result.

Q & A

What motivated Brent Underwood to buy the abandoned ghost town of Cerro Gordo?

Brent was inspired by a deep sense of wanting to do something different, to challenge himself, and to find a greater purpose. He was driven by the feeling that he could be doing more with his life and saw the abandoned town as an opportunity to revive something from the past.

How did the pandemic affect Brent's decision to move to Cerro Gordo?

The pandemic played a pivotal role in Brent's decision. In March 2020, as the world locked down, he saw the isolation of the ghost town as the perfect place to socially distance. What was initially intended as a short-term stay turned into a much longer commitment.

What challenges did Brent face living in Cerro Gordo?

Brent faced numerous challenges, including physical isolation, the difficulty of maintaining and restoring the town, and the mental strain of living alone for long periods. He described the experience as far harder than he expected, touching on physical, mental, and spiritual challenges.

Why does Brent feel a responsibility to the town's history and its people?

Brent feels a deep sense of stewardship for the town's story and the people who once lived there. The connection to the past and the historical significance of Cerro Gordo gives his efforts a sense of meaning and purpose, making him feel responsible for preserving its legacy.

How does Brent view loneliness and isolation after living in the ghost town?

Brent initially felt less lonely during the pandemic, as everyone was socially distanced. Over time, however, he became more aware of his isolation. He discussed how loneliness could become addictive, as it offers a certain freedom from social pressures and distractions, but also brings challenges.

What does Brent say about the romanticized idea of escaping to the wilderness?

Brent critiques the idea of escaping to the wilderness as a form of escapism. He argues that running away from one's problems doesn't necessarily solve them, and that the same anxieties and stress follow you wherever you go, even if you're in the middle of the desert.

How does Brent cope with the boredom and solitude of life in the ghost town?

Brent copes by finding ways to entertain himself, such as engaging with the wildlife, specifically the chickens, and developing new hobbies and skills. He also spends time exploring the old silver mines and reading books, creating a sense of purpose through these solitary activities.

How does the Burro Schmidt Tunnel relate to Brent's experience in Cerro Gordo?

The Burro Schmidt Tunnel, dug by hand over 38 years, serves as a metaphor for Brent's own journey. Like Schmidt, who continued to dig a tunnel despite its ultimate uselessness, Brent's dedication to restoring Cerro Gordo feels absurd but provides his life with a sense of purpose, echoing the existential themes of creating meaning in an indifferent world.

What philosophical ideas are explored in Brent's story?

Brent's story touches on existential philosophy, particularly the ideas of Camus, Kierkegaard, and Thoreau. It explores themes of isolation, the search for meaning, and the idea that purpose is not something we find, but something we create. His journey reflects the struggle to find significance in a seemingly absurd or meaningless task.

What does Brent mean by 'freedom' in the context of his life in Cerro Gordo?

Brent defines freedom as the ability to fully commit to something, without being distracted by other possibilities. He argues that true freedom comes not from the absence of responsibility, but from dedicating oneself to a singular purpose, much like his commitment to restoring the ghost town.