Prabhupada had such an ambitious plan to change the world, because harer nam harer nama harer nama eva kevalam: "Harinama is the only way for spiritual perfection in this age." But Prabhupada saw that people don't have time, nor the inclination. This modern society makes the people into demons. So this simple life is very conducive for spiritual advancement.
Lecture on "Living without Electricity" – Salem – 26th Nov'07