4 ms·

So how do these people got on the top of these pillars? What did they do there all day?

• paganel 9y ago
  > What did they do there all day? From the wiki page on Simeon Stylites, the most famous of these type of saints (and I think the first one who chose to live on top of a pillar) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simeon_Stylites https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simeon_Stylites): > Even on the highest of his columns, Simeon was not withdrawn from the world.[citation needed] If anything, the new pillar attracted even more people, both pilgrims who had earlier visited him and sightseers as well. Simeon was available each afternoon to talk with visitors. By means of a ladder, visitors were able to ascend within speaking distance. It is known that he wrote letters, the text of some of which have survived to this day, that he instructed disciples, and that he also lectured to those assembled beneath.[9] He especially preached against profanity and usury. In contrast to the extreme austerity that he practiced, his preaching conveyed temperance and compassion, and was marked with common sense and freedom from fanaticism. Interestingly enough there is a similar character in season 2 of the HBO TV-show "The Leftovers", which I highly recommend (the show, that is). Here's its IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2699128/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2699128/
  • bhaak 9y ago
    Also interesting is that the reason given in the Wikipedia article why he lived on top of a pillar was not to be closer to God but to be further away from people that would otherwise disturb his daily routine.
    • fiatjaf 9y ago
      That to be on pillar would put him closer to God is a stupid idea only anti-Christians would think of.