Alone in the Past
Pavel Sapozhnikov is a typical 24-year-old Russian. His life is filled with all modern conveniences, including cell phones, digital organizers, cutting-edge technology, and constant stimulation. But something is missing. He decides to start an eight-month social experiment, placing him on a remote farm in completely antiquated 10th century conditions. Will he develop the skill and willpower to pass this daunting test, and what will he learn about himself in the process? Lonely Past is a fascinating record of his journey.
This unique effort is the brainchild of Project Hero, an organization dedicated to exploring the connection between history and social psychology. By structuring the conditions of this experiment, they created a reality far removed from ours. For up to 240 days, Pavel had to live in the same conditions as his Russian ancestors did centuries ago. His homestead includes a well, a rustic toilet, a stable with goats and chickens, and a shed with no heat or air. He had to hunt and fish for food, and he was only equipped with the tools and weapons of the time. He must find an unprecedented level of self-reliance to survive the harsh winter. He is cut off from the outside world and can only escape in life-threatening situations such as broken limbs or severe infections.
Once a month he can create a progress report for the study’s organizers. The sect vignettes are raw and insightful. We observed the aggressive psychological effects of boredom, restlessness, loneliness, and moments of intense despair and failure. Under these conditions, seemingly simple tasks such as lighting a fire, insulating shoes from the elements, and finding the right diet become daunting ones. Claustrophobia, hallucinations, and extreme tiredness are not uncommon.
The past alone reveals the insurmountable challenges our ancestors faced every day, and reveals what strengths we may still hold deep within.
