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Comment by csense | Hacker News Reader

If I went to prison, I'd stay in my cell 24/7 and read books and math papers. Up to the point of refusing to eat unless guards brought food to my cell. I'd actually prefer to go into solitary confinement and completely stay away from all human contact for the duration, and I'd do what I could to arrange that.

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Have you tried it? For most people, solitary confinement is torture. Maybe not for you, but I've been to prison, and even without solitary, the effective social isolation takes its toll. (I didn't exactly fit in in that environment. No drama, but also no companionship.)

hes probably thinking solitary confinment with benefits. it usually means you get nothing in the cell but your own thoughts. i have never been to prison so not solitary confinement but thats what i am led to believe.

I have and it's fine, I think the people that run into problems are just unable to manage their own minds. What's mind blowing however is that people then think everyone must be the same way, and it's simply not true.

Afaik, books are seen as privilege that you may or may not have and you are limited to prison library.

Also, long term solitary messes peoples mind. Whatever issues you have, they will go worst.

I have an issue where I am tortured by proximity to the kind of people who typically go to prison. Will that get worse?

...

Actually, I think solitary is a punishment partly because it's not just "solitary" but because they also disallow books, writing material, etc. It's more of a sensory deprivation environment.

its a prison inside of a prison.

I suggest you try living in your apartment without human contact, TV, radio or internet for 4 weeks.

Write a blog post about you experience once your done.. (Maybe keep a physical diary)

And make sure to stack up on oatmeal before you get started.

The line I’ve heard is “try locking yourself in your bathroom for a few days.”

And also get crummy food, can't control your room temperature and other inconveniences.

Can't turn off the lights.

That's my naive thought too but in reality I don't think most people will last long.

This was my first result in a google scholar search:

https://www.nmlegis.gov/handouts/CCJ%20102716%20Item%203%20D...

Apparently some gangs insist you take a shower. You're also in a cell with a cellmate. When they go out others can come in.

I think you only go to solitary if you're a high profile security risk or commit a crime in prison.

I think one of the points of prison is that you don't get what you prefer.

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