What role did monasteries play in the preservation and development of culture?

Monasteries were the abodes of traditional culture. They preserved the Russian way of life and religion. People who had lost their life aspirations mostly left them. Undesirable competitors were also sent there. Ancient customs based on the Orthodox faith were preserved and developed in the monasteries. Ancient crafts, styles and traditions continued to live there. Life in the monasteries did not change and was not directed towards modernization. There were no individualistic and progressive ideas. People in monasteries led an ascetic lifestyle.