One does not necessarily have to isolate himself completely in order to be a tzaddik.
The Torah mentions that on their journey to Canaan, Abram and Sarai took with them “the souls they had made in Haran” (Gen. 12:5).
What is the meaning of this expression – how does one “make souls”?
The Midrash explains, “Abraham converted the men, and Sarah converted the women” (Genesis Rabba 39:14).
Abraham and Sarah were only two people, but they were actively involved in redeeming the world, constantly engaging with and reaching out to others.
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
From Talks on the Parasha