In explaining his own move away from communal living, Ken Kesey cited "the great statement" made by his friend Babbs: " We don't want a commune, we want a community," Myrtle Hill would have agreed. While they had found that they were happier not living together, no one was ready to give up on their connection to one another or on their interdependence.
Ken Kesey's shift away from communal living reflected a key sentiment expressed by his friend Babbs, who stated a preference for "community" over "commune." This distinction highlights the desire for meaningful connections without the constraints of shared living. Myrtle Hill, too, resonated with this understanding, recognizing that a happier existence could come from physical separation while still nurturing strong bonds with others.
Even though Kesey and Hill chose to step back from communal arrangements, they did not abandon their relationships or the interdependence that had formed among their group. Their experiences illustrate a broader search for a supportive community that balances individuality and connection, capturing the essence of their pursuit for a fulfilling life beyond the confines of collective living.
