Technology And The Amish - A Marriage Of Convenience?
- Date: 2007-07-12 - Word Count: 607
Share This!
Can you imagine a life without the telephone? Or without electricity, or heated water in winters and the cooling influence of an AC in summers? Difficult, if not impossible. Yet there is a traditional society which shuns the use of these very symbols of a modern world and stick to their beliefs of simple living and high thinking. Living in the midst of the chaos of the modern world, the Amish clan presents a calm 'No, thank you, but we are doing just fine' rebuff to the comforts of modern technology.
The reason why the Amish shun technology lies in their religious beliefs. Known to lead a reclusive lifestyle due to their religious restrictions, the Amish are an ascetic, reclusive group of people who try and keep their distance from the trappings of modern life. Not that technology would make their life less comfortable, but mainly it is seen as an affront to well established traditions and a simple and rugged life.
Take the use of the telephone. The small little instrument is a symbol of the progress man has made in the field of communications over the past centuries. The shunning could well be a result of the belief that widespread use of the telephone will lead to outside influences creeping in, and hence spoil the purity of their culture. The society, however, does not prohibit the use of modern technology where it becomes essential- for instance, calls may be made and received for business purposes, but only if made from a booth outside the home. The idea being to avoid its influence on the traditional household lifestyle, it is not allowed inside the home.
Another reason for the shunning of technology is the perceived differences it is likely to bring within the society. While current following of traditional beliefs results in a nearly equal society, the adoption of modern technology and its derivatives is bound to create different income levels, which would further lead to competition and the will to outdo the other. Both aspects are against the very essence of the movement, which has an equal society as its foundation.
Where technology does not preclude contact with the outside world, it may sometimes be used. Thus you are unlikely to find a television due to its perceived corrupting influence, but in a curious adaptation to the need of the day, some electric machines may be used, provided, firstly, they do not depend on outside electricity, and secondly, have a human element attached to it. An electric grass mover may be used, for instance, but only if it is to be pulled along by a human. Similarly, a wood carving machine may be used to make the basic structure of Amish furniture, but the final finish would still have to be done by the carpenter's hand.
The simplicity would have to be retained, and you are unlikely to find too flashy a design in Amish handcrafted furniture. Tradition is of essence here, and it may take days to make a single piece, yet technology will only be used where it does not interfere with the cultural requirements. Even then, you can be reasonably sure that whatever the quantum of electricity used, the timber for the Amish made furniture has probably been cut on a diesel run generator rather than the regular supply!
Though it may not be the ideal way to live for most tech junkies, the Amish way of life does offer a few lessons in simple living. Talk to an Amish gentleman or a lady, and you will find a person unhindered by the shackles of modern trappings, happy in the simplicity of his or her life.
The reason why the Amish shun technology lies in their religious beliefs. Known to lead a reclusive lifestyle due to their religious restrictions, the Amish are an ascetic, reclusive group of people who try and keep their distance from the trappings of modern life. Not that technology would make their life less comfortable, but mainly it is seen as an affront to well established traditions and a simple and rugged life.
Take the use of the telephone. The small little instrument is a symbol of the progress man has made in the field of communications over the past centuries. The shunning could well be a result of the belief that widespread use of the telephone will lead to outside influences creeping in, and hence spoil the purity of their culture. The society, however, does not prohibit the use of modern technology where it becomes essential- for instance, calls may be made and received for business purposes, but only if made from a booth outside the home. The idea being to avoid its influence on the traditional household lifestyle, it is not allowed inside the home.
Another reason for the shunning of technology is the perceived differences it is likely to bring within the society. While current following of traditional beliefs results in a nearly equal society, the adoption of modern technology and its derivatives is bound to create different income levels, which would further lead to competition and the will to outdo the other. Both aspects are against the very essence of the movement, which has an equal society as its foundation.
Where technology does not preclude contact with the outside world, it may sometimes be used. Thus you are unlikely to find a television due to its perceived corrupting influence, but in a curious adaptation to the need of the day, some electric machines may be used, provided, firstly, they do not depend on outside electricity, and secondly, have a human element attached to it. An electric grass mover may be used, for instance, but only if it is to be pulled along by a human. Similarly, a wood carving machine may be used to make the basic structure of Amish furniture, but the final finish would still have to be done by the carpenter's hand.
The simplicity would have to be retained, and you are unlikely to find too flashy a design in Amish handcrafted furniture. Tradition is of essence here, and it may take days to make a single piece, yet technology will only be used where it does not interfere with the cultural requirements. Even then, you can be reasonably sure that whatever the quantum of electricity used, the timber for the Amish made furniture has probably been cut on a diesel run generator rather than the regular supply!
Though it may not be the ideal way to live for most tech junkies, the Amish way of life does offer a few lessons in simple living. Talk to an Amish gentleman or a lady, and you will find a person unhindered by the shackles of modern trappings, happy in the simplicity of his or her life.
Related Tags: technology, furniture, modern, handcrafted, electricity, wood, timber, telephone, traditional, society, amish furniture, simplicity, reclusive
The author is an expert in home improvement techniques. You can buy long-lasting Amish Oak furniture for your home and office. For good deals on Amish furniture visit wholesale Amish furniture dealers. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Metal Detector Can Save Lives
Wars and unexpected accidents have been one of the many issues that have been unavoidable in the liv - Discover How Pool Float Toys Affect Your Summer Vacation
Hot. This is a perfect description what summer is. It is a feel-good time for families to enjoy a nu - Luxury Watch For Your Loved Ones and Yourself
Whether it's a birthday celebration, anniversary, Christmas or even just an ordinary day receiving g - Why Purchase Swiss Army Watches?
Wearing a wristwatch or having a pocket watch is a very important accessory of a person because it t - Personalized Groomsmen Gifts : Engraved Groomsmen Mugs
Giving something personalized for your groomsmen is a wonderful idea to let your friends feel that t - A Few Helpful Baby Shower Tips
Baby showers are wonderful occasions that usually create lasting memory for both expectant parents a - Discount Groomsmen Gifts That You Can Purchase Online
Weddings are special and memorable occasions that should be planned well, and one of the most vital - How to Wear a Knee Boot
A lot of women today are trying to integrate a knee boot into their fashion style because they are a - Wearing a Knee Boot
A knee boot is definitely something you should be investing on most especially during the cold seaso - Finding Cheap Skis
If you are a fan of various water sports, you are probably one of those people who have been in the
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Capitalism Under Attack: Petrodollars, Petroeuros and the Iranian Oil Bourse
"This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous [...]. Havi - One Percenters
Hells Angels Inc is the most successful enterprise of its kind in Canada.In 2000 they moved into Ont - Monogamy: Is She My One and Only?
Copyright © 2007 Susan Adams After decades of matchmaking experience, years of being active in - The Best Of Oprah's Favorite Things
Oprah's annual Favorite Things show has been causing a frenzy with fans for the past six years. But - Researching British Soldiers Who Served in the 1914-18 Great War
At In the footsteps BATTLEFIELD TOURS we occasionally receive enquiries about how to trace the recor - Reefer Madness Replaced by Hydro Hysteria
In the 20's there was Reefer Madness, now we have the 21st century version; Hydro Hysteria. Mari - How Can Society Stop Sexual Predators
Perhaps society holds the lowest regard of all for sex predators, those evil men who prey on that wh - Making Communication Work For Your Relationship
Brooke said to Gary, "In our entire relationship, I've gone above and beyond for you … for us. I co - How To Attract And Seduce Women Using The 'Unmask Method'
When it comes to meeting, attracting and seducing women, most guys don't know where to start. But th - How to Keep Your Man Feeling Lucky and Happy
Your Good Man hopes that you will remain the loving, beautiful, feminine, kind, sexy American Geisha