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
Although people in the modern age can't imagine living without electricity, the whole human race up to the present time did so. Srila Prabhupada also often discussed how "They say that previously people were backward. But look at the kind of literature that Vyasadeva has given. This is not the work of a backward person!"
Lecture on "Living without Electricity" – Salem – 26th Nov'07
In peaceful, sattvik atmosphere – the consciousness can be uplifted.
Lecture on "Living without Electricity" – Salem – 26th Nov'07
Advancement means advancement of consciousness.
Lecture on "Living without Electricity" – Salem – 26th Nov'07