Final answer:
Walter finds solitude preferable as it allows for a tailored existence away from societal expectations, similar to Thoreau's ideologies in Walden advocating for simplicity and solitude as an antidote to societal pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "December 2005: The Silent Towns," Walter finds being alone a better living condition as it provides him the opportunity to live according to his own rules and preferences without the pressures and expectations of society. This concept is echoed in the works of authors like Henry David Thoreau in Walden, who advocates for simplicity and self-reliance away from societal complexities. The story suggests that solitude can offer a peaceful antidote to the lives of quiet desperation that many people experience within the confines of societal norms and roles. Moreover, being alone in a silent town allows characters like Walter to experience a touch of freedom and self-exploration that is not possible within the busy hum of communal living.