I think you're misunderstanding and reading too much from my argument. The thrust of it is that I sincerely believe modern society (by which I mean Western, US

I think you're misunderstanding and reading too much from my argument. The thrust of it is that I sincerely believe modern society (by which I mean Western, US culture 2020s) places a heavy emphasis on consumption and reaping of pleasure as much as possible and that this culture is oppressive and coerces people to do the same lest they be labeled "old-fashioned, cultist" or worse, "religious" (which in itself carries a bad connotation nowadays). The fact that the story is strange to you goes straight to my point. Throughout history, monks, wisemen and religious figures have retreated from the world to seek spiritual peace. There's extensive literature and history that shows this to be valid path for a person to take, if they so wish and are in the disposition to do so.