Atheism and monasticism?

[Rev. Rye]

That's not how the catholic monasteries I know operate, though. They may own some land that supports them, but they usually produce and sell stuff, operate hotels and convention centers, and the members work. They are pretty independent from the Vatican as well.

Yes and in fairness some Buddhist monks produce stuff to help support themselves. And pastors / priests do provide counseling (of varying quality) and visit the sick and housebound so it's not like they sit around all day navel-gazing (and many of them are not paid very well).

My basic point is just that there has to be a patron of some sort if you want to just sit around and think great thoughts or seek enlightenment.

As I mentioned before, maybe if you had a publisher and an audience willing to buy enough of your books that you could afford to do so, or, if you had the desire and the ability to live off the fat of the land (note: the ability to actually do so is key if you don't want to end up like Christopher McCandless), your desire for a monastic lifestyle might actually be sustainable.

Or maybe get on welfare, slim down your lifestyle, and hope the Republicans don't slash welfare benefits, which I don't think would be a terribly attractive idea for you.