Elder Joseph of Optina: Seclusion is a dangerous path. The passions grow in seclusion...

[Seclusion] is a dangerous path. The passions grow in seclusion. 

It is better to be among the people. Out away from where people walk, the grass grows high; but where they walk, the path is bare. 

Sometimes people go in for solitude out of intolerance. 

But it is good for us when we are jostled. 

The tree that the wind blows most against has the deepest and strongest roots: but that tree which grows undisturbed is more likely blown over.

Elder Joseph of Optina