I've always found it interesting how most past societies offered established ways to retreat from society. Our current society seems to be the first in which such a thing is barely possible in an "honorable" way: most possibilities are looked down upon, or illegal, or/and greatly increase your chances of a premature death. Yes, some still have done it, but it's no longer a "supported feature" of society, so to speak.
Great point. I think we're worse off as a society as a result ; a population who don't understand themselves as well as they could.
Vipassana centers were my refuge for many years. Fairly accessible in Europe.