Insights Gleaned from Amish Traditions
This modern-day digital pilgrim finds himself in the heartland of Amish Country, nestled amidst the picturesque hills and farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Known for its simpler way of life, the Amish community, founded in 1729, stands boldly against the encroaching tide of technology.
With my smartphone adorned with a case and lock screen flowers, I find myself in timesucker's paradise, already consumed by 97 minutes of its allure. But in this realm, where horses and carriages reign, can one truly escape the digital tether?
Curiosity piqued, I embark on a journey to immerse myself in this timeless society. Fueled by a desire to unplug, I book a three-day stay at a vintage bed and breakfast, opting for the rustic charm of the Old Order, even if it means forgoing the luxuries of electricity and Wi-Fi.
Naïve to the Amish dialect, I find myself lost upon arrival, with only my drained smartphone for guidance. Luckily, the mysterious world of horse-drawn carriages and rural labyrinths has a solution, as my rental car's GPS serves as a temporary compass.
Settling in at "Beacon Hollow Farm," I marvel at the authenticity of the host family, whose clothing embodies the common perception of the Amish, yet who display human warmth beneath their modest attire. Guests, they convey, are granted exceptional concessions—electric lights in the room, a coffee machine in the living area, and even a thermostat-controlled fan to ward off the sweltering Pennsylvania summer heat.
In this camp of simple living, the Amish lifestyle both fascinates and frustrates. Despite the adherence to the "Order," their approaches to technology seem neither fanatical nor technophobic. Aaron Blank, the autodidact farmer, presents a remarkable example of ingenuity, repurposing modern farm machines to be powered by horses, while LED lights illuminate the carriage paths that wind through the countryside.
It is a testament to their adaptability that the Riehl family eschews mobile phone technology, yet accommodates guests' devices in the cottage. My worn-out device, deprived of its regular Wi-Fi diet, bravely managed to catch a signal while tucked away in the kitchen cabinet.
My free time in this digital detox experiment is filled with novel experiences—exploring the Amish countryside, partaking in farm tours, and conversing with the reserved yet welcoming believers. I often find myself reminiscing about the Rumspringa generation, a time when the Amish youth were challenged with the allure of modern technology before fully committing to the path of simplicity.
But the question remains—how does the Amish community justify their selective approach to technology? Professor Steve Nolt, an expert in Anabaptist and Pietist studies, explains that each community is given the power to propose new technologies. These proposals undergo a trial period, during which the community votes to determine the technology's introduction, with the district bishop holding a veto.
In essence, technology serves as a tool for the Amish, not a societal touchstone. Their ultimate goal is to maintain the integrity of human relationships and social structures, all while avoiding excessive worldly influences that may undermine their religious beliefs.
My digital detox experiment reveals an intriguing contrast between the Amish lifestyle and my own technology-centric existence. In the midst of a technologically saturated society, where the average individual spends countless hours scrolling through social media, the Amish community seems almost revolutionary in its ability to maintain a balance between tradition and practicality.
Thus, my time in Amish Country serves as a valuable reminder that, while technology has its conveniences, it's crucial to consider its impact on our lives and relationships. I leave Lancaster County with a renewed appreciation for the simpler side of life and a resolve to incorporate periodic digital detoxes into my routine. After all, those lock screen flowers can only be so captivating.
In the midst of my digital detox, I ponder the Amish community's approach to technology, which seems a stark contrast to my own technology-centric lifestyle. Although they have access to certain technological advancements, they prioritize maintaining the integrity of human relationships and social structures, using technology as a tool rather than a societal touchstone.
Upon my return home, I find myself more conscious of the amount of time I spend engrossed in my smartphone, and I make a conscious effort to integrate periodic digital detoxes into my routine, striving for a better balance between technology and the simpler side of life.
