One thing is that monks usually exist inside religious organizations. Religions are highly traditional, do not concern themselves with western science and are s

One thing is that monks usually exist inside religious organizations. Religions are highly traditional, do not concern themselves with western science and are slow changing. The other thing is the question of what do they think is worth doing. Imagine a person who's been enlightened. He/she may have been miserable, depressed and suicidal in the past, but now has reached state of no suffering and is completely happy. Very likely goal of such a person is to reduce unneeded suffering of others. The most straightforward way is to help others reach enlightment.