Non-monks

I was chatting with a colleague. He's much older than me and he's been telling me of his life. His diet is strict and his excercise regiment is regular, he wants to become a monk at 40 and he sounds like he means it. he's telling me of all this thoughts, his wish to shut out desire, how his investments have paid off so he can. And he says it to me a fervency which surprises me. He's mild mannered usually.

Why is he telling me this. I am young and my life is before me. I'm full of desires and plans. No monkishness from me. I have a lot to do and I'm brimming with energy. Do and see. Plan and make.