That makes sense. Companies want a "maximalist", i.e. someone who's addicted to consumption. Such person has no other option but to continue working - their addiction demands it. Whereas a minimalist has a large degree of freedom and can often just ditch the job if it becomes too shitty.

I think it was just a simple joke about the inability to receive phone calls without a phone.

It was both a joke and consistent with what the GP said. I did the minimalist part and gave them my number.