Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380), one of those honored by the Roman Catholics, an admirer of a withdrawn lifestyle, supposedly told by Christ to enter into public service of the world, according to Raymond of Capua.
The monasteries of the middle ages in Europe are often depicted as spiritual place of solitude. Which, in some sense of simplicity, is good. Nevertheless, their passive structures and administrations have often been an obstacle for the Great Commission.
Since I was a child, I had always been fascinated by stories of solitary survivals, such as Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, Henri Charrière's Papillon, etc.. I remember discussing the subject of a withdrawn lifestyle with some fellows who all seem to think that it is utterly unfavorable if not impossible.
When all things matter come to mind, total solitary lifestyle can conclusively be considered a passive escape from reality. Which, despite some praises or ignorance of such possibility, is not favored by God. If the point of calling was to apply to Catherine of Siena, then it should be treated as a reprimand from Christ for her, not persuasion. Not even command, for any description short of rebuke against a withdrawn life is simply unjustified.