The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christians who value simplicity, humility, and separation from the modern world.
One of the ways in which the Amish maintain these values is through their rejection of many forms of modern technology, such as cars and electricity from the public grid. Instead, the Amish rely on horse-drawn buggies for transportation and generate their own power through methods such as solar panels and generators.
However, this does not mean that the Amish completely reject all forms of technology. In fact, the Amish have found ways to incorporate modern technology into their lives in a way that aligns with their values. For example, many Amish use cell phones, but they are typically used for business purposes only and are kept in a central location such as a barn, rather than carried around on the person. Additionally, some Amish communities use tractors to plow their fields, but they are powered by propane rather than gasoline.
The Amish approach to technology is often referred to as “selective technology”, as they carefully consider each new invention and decide whether or not it aligns with their values before adopting it. This process is guided by the Ordnung, a set of unwritten rules and regulations that govern Amish society. The Ordnung covers a wide range of topics, from dress codes to construction techniques, and serves as a guide for how to live a simple and humble life.
One aspect of the Amish approach to technology that is particularly noteworthy is their rejection of electricity from the public grid. This may seem like a drastic step, but the Amish believe that electricity from the grid would bring the outside world into their homes, making it harder to maintain a simple and humble lifestyle. Instead, the Amish generate their own power through methods such as solar panels, generators, and even microhydro systems. This not only allows them to use technology, but also align with their values of self-sufficiency, and humility.
The Amish are not against progress, but they do believe that it must be tempered with tradition.
In this way, the Amish are able to navigate the line between progress and tradition in a way that allows them to maintain their values. This approach is not without its challenges, however. For example, the Amish often struggle to find skilled craftsmen who can repair and maintain their equipment without the use of electricity. Additionally, many Amish youth struggle with the decision of whether or not to leave the community and join the modern world.
Despite their adherence to traditional values and rejection of certain forms of technology, the Amish are not opposed to change altogether. In fact, the Amish have a long history of adapting to new technologies and circumstances in order to sustain their way of life. For example, during the 19th century, many Amish communities transitioned from farming to carpentry and other trades as a way to support themselves.
In recent years, the Amish have also begun to engage in various forms of small-scale entrepreneurship. This includes businesses such as woodworking shops, quilt-making, and farming-related activities such as farmers markets and agritourism. These businesses allow the Amish to generate income while still adhering to their values and maintaining their traditional way of life.
The Amish are also not opposed to education, although it is done differently than in most of the public education systems. Many Amish communities run their own schools, which typically only go through the 8th grade and place a strong emphasis on practical skills and vocational training. This allows Amish children to learn the skills they need to contribute to the community and support themselves and their families.
Additionally, the Amish have begun to utilize the internet for business purposes, although the way in which it is used is heavily regulated by the community and is limited only for certain purposes such as, product orders and email communication for business purpose.
It is also worth mentioning that the Amish people have diverse perspectives on technology, as every community and family may have their own beliefs, making the use and rejection of certain forms of technology vary from community to community.
It’s important to note that the Amish lifestyle is not for everyone, and not all Amish people agree with the same way to use or not use technology. But for those who choose to live this way, it allows them to live a simple and humble life, focused on family, community, and religious values.
Despite facing many challenges, the Amish way of life has proven to be resilient and sustainable. Their approach to technology, characterized by its selectivity and emphasis on tradition, has allowed them to maintain their values and way of life in the face of rapid technological advancement.
But it’s not only about the technology, their way of life encompasses a holistic approach that encompasses all aspects of life, from economic, social and even political. The Amish live in tight-knit communities where members rely on one another for support and assistance. This strong sense of community is evident in everything from their approach to business, education, and healthcare.
In terms of healthcare, the Amish community has a unique approach to health care, relying on traditional healing methods, such as herbal medicine and natural remedies, rather than modern medicine. This is not to say that the Amish avoid modern medicine altogether; they do seek medical treatment when necessary, but they typically prefer natural remedies and treatments first.
In the political sphere, the Amish are known for their pacifism and non-participation in the government, but they have a way of working with the government to safeguard their rights and way of life. They are able to do this through strong community organization and by working with government officials and agencies to find mutually acceptable solutions.
It’s important to remember that the Amish way of life is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is not for everyone. However, it’s an example of how it is possible to live a fulfilling and meaningful life while rejecting certain aspects of modern technology and culture. The Amish have found a way to navigate the line between progress and tradition in a way that allows them to maintain their values, traditions, and way of life.
The Amish way of life is a unique and intriguing example of how a community can navigate the complexities of modernity while maintaining traditional values and ways of life. Their approach to technology, characterized by its selectivity and emphasis on tradition, has allowed them to maintain their values and way of life in the face of rapid technological advancement. And as a whole, their way of life encompasses a holistic approach to all aspects of life, from economic, social and political that is not only sustainable but also resilient.
In conclusion, the Amish have a unique approach to technology that allows them to navigate the line between progress and tradition. Through their rejection of many forms of modern technology and their embrace of selective technology, the Amish are able to maintain their values of simplicity, humility, and separation from the modern world. Their decision to reject electricity from the public grid is a good example of their approach to find a balance between tradition and modernity, proving that it is possible to live a simple and humble life while still making use of technology.