The modern encumbrances of technology need not essentially be all there is to life. While most of us are so used to these conveniences that even a short interruption can feel like the world’s coming to an end, it may not be essentially so. There are several places in the world where modern gadgetry is limited to the books and they are living a perfectly happy life. But while in their case it is understandable that they do not have an access, what do you say to a society that has all the opportunity yet refuses to partake the double edged weapon of technology? Believe it or not, the Amish are just such a people.

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 a affront to well established traditions and a simple and rugged life.

The Church may sometimes allow the use of technology where it is likely to ease the suffering of a member. Thus despite the traditional method of reliance on horse-drawn ploughs, the odd tractor may be found being used by an old man who cannot work the plough for the traditional profession of farming.

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!

Traditional methods of transport such as the horse-cart are still very much in use, but in some rare cases may be replaced by more practical modern ones. Some mechanical transport has started being used for commuting to and from work, but such use is more of an exception than the norm. The possible reason for such an allowance being made could be the excessive distance to the work place.

The Amish thus continue to be an island of calm in a stormy sea. 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.