Exploring the Deep Roots of the Amish Lifestyle

Let’s Get Real: What’s Up With the Amish and Tech?

Ever driven through a quiet countryside, saw a horse and buggy roll by, and thought, “Yo… why don’t these folks just use a car?” Or maybe you’ve heard about the Amish not using phones, internet, or even electricity and wondered if it’s just about being old-school. Well, it’s way deeper than that.

The Amish lifestyle isn’t just about wearing bonnets and growing beards — it’s a full-on commitment to living slow, simple, and connected to community, faith, and tradition. And yeah, that means saying “no thanks” to a lot of modern technology.

The Heart of the Matter: Why They Say No to Tech

Okay, here’s the deal. The Amish don’t reject technology just for the sake of being different or stubborn. It all comes down to one thing: keeping their community strong.

They believe that too much tech = too much individualism = less time with family and neighbors. And that? That’s a dealbreaker for them.

Let’s break it down.

Common Questions People Ask (And Honest Answers)

❓ Do the Amish hate technology?

Nah, they don’t hate it. They’re just super picky about what they allow into their lives. If a certain tech tool brings more harm than good to their values (family, simplicity, humility), they’ll pass on it.

❓ Why no electricity?

It’s not about the wires — it’s about staying off the grid. Connecting to public electricity opens the door to TVs, radios, internet, and all that noise. They want to keep life focused and distraction-free.

❓ But they use tractors and power tools sometimes?

Yep! Some Amish communities do use gas-powered tools or “Amish-friendly” tech like battery-operated lights. It’s not a one-size-fits-all rule. Different Amish groups (called “orders”) have different levels of strictness.

❓ What about phones and cars?

Phones? Some communities allow a shared phone booth for emergencies or business. Cars? Mostly a no-go — too much independence and distance from the community. Horse and buggy keeps things local and humble.

So, What’s the Actual Problem?

Alright, now that we’ve cleared that up — here’s the big issue:

Modern technology, while awesome, often leads to isolation, comparison, overconsumption, and distraction. Think about it. How often are we glued to our screens, ignoring the people right next to us?

The Amish saw that coming decades ago. They believe tech can weaken the family unit and pull people away from their values. For them, it’s not about convenience — it’s about intention.

The Amish “Filter”: How They Decide What’s In or Out

Let’s say a new piece of tech comes out. The Amish don’t just ban it right away. Nope, they discuss it as a community, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide.

The main question they ask is:
“Will this make our lives more centered around God, family, and simplicity — or take us away from it?”

If it’s the second? It’s out. Simple as that.

It’s Not About Living in the Past — It’s About Living with Purpose

While the world’s out here flexin’ the latest iPhone or smart fridge, the Amish are keeping it real with homemade meals, hands-on farming, deep conversations, and solid community support.

And honestly? There’s something kinda refreshing about that.

They’re not trying to be cool or trendy. They’re just focused on what they believe really matters:
Faith
Family
Humility
Peace of mind

A Word to You, Dear Reader

Yo, if you’ve read this far — first off, you’re awesome. But also, maybe it’s time to take a sec and ask yourself:

• Are you in control of your tech, or is it controlling you?

• When was the last time you sat with your family with no screens involved?

• Could you go a day — or even a few hours — without your phone?

The Amish lifestyle might not be for everyone, but there’s definitely something we can all learn from it. Maybe we don’t have to throw out all our gadgets… but maybe we do need to unplug a little more often.

Wanna Share Your Thoughts?

Drop a comment below:

What’s one piece of tech you think you could live without?
Or do you think the Amish are missing out?

Let’s start a real convo.

Real Sources You Can Check Out:

1. Kraybill, Donald B. – The Amish: A Concise Introduction (Johns Hopkins University Press)

2. PBS: American Experience – The Amish
   https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/amish/

3. National Geographic – Inside the Amish Lifestyle
   https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/amish

4. BBC – Why the Amish Live Without Modern Tech
   https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170524-the-people-who-refuse-to-use-modern-technology