[Dr. Eckleburg]

An hour or a day spent in prayer and reflection can be strengthening.

But a life devoted to monasticism is aptly described as "misanthropy," as AlbionGirl pointed out.

Are all children fed? Are all the sick healed? Until those conditions occur, a monastic life seems selfish and fearful.

[Nihil Obstat]

Are all children fed? Are all the sick healed?

No, and I doubt that will ever happen here.

Until those conditions occur, a monastic life seems selfish and fearful.

Not at all. Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is pray for them. "The prayers of the righteous availeth much". I think the world would be much worse off without the continuous prayers of the contemplatives.