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The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

qz.com

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Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#11

Post by isk517 »

reidjs wrote: post #3
paul7986 wrote: post #2

I live outside of Pennsylvania Dutch country and two weeks ago driving in that area I was shocked to see many horse and buggy drivers distracted by their iPhones.

"The Amish don’t always reject a technology, but they have very specific rules about how it is to be used." Maybe they determined a way to use their iphones without them being harmful? I.e. using specific apps or only in certain circumstances.

I feel like depends on whether or not they are using their iPhone while operating their horse and buggy.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#12

Post by throw6746 »

sleepysysadmin wrote: post #4

It's not just the Amish. Many communities have decided they wish to live at ~1850. It has always made me curious why, what do they know? If you look deeply in many religions they are the same. Buddhist monks aren't excluded from tech but they certainly dont own any themselves. Why? Because it's something to consider and create desires. Just as they shave their head not because of aesthetics but because now you never…

> When you eliminate the unnecessary from your life, you certainly live a happier life.

Unnecessary for you maybe, it doesn't look very happy to me

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#14

Post by post_break »

h2odragon wrote: post #10
zepto wrote: post #6

Good article in general, except for the title. I know many people and see many people online who understand these truths. The hard part is creating a viable alternative culture that can make collective choices about technology use. It’s also worth noting that the Amish rely on the ‘English’ I.e. American legal system and military for their defense. Their way of life doesn’t stand alone outside of American society.

Committed pacifists may not feel as much need for the military.

Amish are strapped. They have lots of guns. They also have a lot of abuse that they sweep under the rug.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#15

Post by leephillips »

h2odragon wrote: post #10
zepto wrote: post #6

Good article in general, except for the title. I know many people and see many people online who understand these truths. The hard part is creating a viable alternative culture that can make collective choices about technology use. It’s also worth noting that the Amish rely on the ‘English’ I.e. American legal system and military for their defense. Their way of life doesn’t stand alone outside of American society.

Committed pacifists may not feel as much need for the military.

“[Pacifism] is only possible to people who have money and guns between themselves and reality.” -- George Orwell

In other words, you can be as “committed” to pacifism as you want, but your life and freedom, and your indulgence in your pacifist philosophy, is made possible by other people’s commitment to the defense against violence with violence, and, often, to their sacrifice.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#16

Post by terr-dav »

zepto wrote: post #6

Good article in general, except for the title. I know many people and see many people online who understand these truths. The hard part is creating a viable alternative culture that can make collective choices about technology use. It’s also worth noting that the Amish rely on the ‘English’ I.e. American legal system and military for their defense. Their way of life doesn’t stand alone outside of American society.

>The hard part is creating a viable alternative culture that can make collective choices about technology use.

This alternative culture is impossible under capitalism, where the tendency is for any and every technology to be acquired and applied in the service of the already rich and powerful.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#17

Post by [deleted] »

zepto wrote: post #6

Good article in general, except for the title. I know many people and see many people online who understand these truths. The hard part is creating a viable alternative culture that can make collective choices about technology use. It’s also worth noting that the Amish rely on the ‘English’ I.e. American legal system and military for their defense. Their way of life doesn’t stand alone outside of American society.

[deleted]

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#18

Post by quaffapint »

paul7986 wrote: post #2

I live outside of Pennsylvania Dutch country and two weeks ago driving in that area I was shocked to see many horse and buggy drivers distracted by their iPhones.

They also make use of solar panels on their farms. They just don't use public power.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#19

Post by tofflos »

paul7986 wrote: post #2

I live outside of Pennsylvania Dutch country and two weeks ago driving in that area I was shocked to see many horse and buggy drivers distracted by their iPhones.

In a don't-text-while-driving context it might be more suitable to compare buggy drivers to car passengers. Horses are alive and will try to avoid crashing violently.

Re: The Amish have negotiated a pact with modernity (2018)

#20

Post by leephillips »

moedersmooiste wrote: post #7

I can relate. Even though I own a smart phone, I've turned off all notifications and sounds that can distract me except for incoming calls. Never used Facebook. Don't want a car.

This is me. Especially the car part. Owning a car is such a burden that I’m really enjoying being able to not have one. Of course, some people do need to own a vehicle, but if you can manage without it, I recommend it.
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