I'll say it's NOT acceptable to be a hermit because this is what happens. Nobody is truly a hermit.
In all cases? I am decidedly not convinced. Many have chosen to withdraw from active societal contact and lived with great honour.
Hermit, misanthropic, on asocial? Three very different perspectives worthy of consideration in this case. (My bet is on door #3.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misanthropyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AsocialityMore in-depth local coverage for anyone interested:
http://www.pressherald.com/Complete_coverage_of_the_North_Pond_Hermit.html