[Mizmar]

the five withdraws from the world because they are confused, scared and don't know what to do. they are perpetually like the kid watching from the sidelines while the other kids play because he doesn't know what to do or how everything works

That's a really good metaphor. I've often felt like I was studying some alien species, trying to understand their society, with its confusing behavior, rituals, and rules; or alternatively I've felt like I was the alien.

Reasons I withdraw:
- to better understand things
- to amuse myself with my thoughts
- to prevent total overwhelm
- as a rejection of a society which I often find completely alienating