Living Without Electricity: People's Place Book No. 9

"Living Without Electricity" is an impressive overview of how the Amish and other Anabaptist groups have used technology over the years. Although it does not go into detail about their actual cultural values, it shows clearly how these values lead them to reject many forms of modern technology, but more significantly and interestingly, it gives clues that, far from being stubbornly and rigidly clinging to outdated ideas, the Amish can be quite innovative inadapting technology from the outside world to fit in with their culture and beliefs. Often, Stephen Scott shows the Amish not simply using technology that has disappeared from the wider world, but actually improving that technology in quite enterprising ways so that it will benefit them as a group. This is most especially true of Amish farming methods but can also be found in their quite remarkable pedal-operated sewing machines, and their use of animals to pump water (All of this, very strangely, makes me think of my maternal grandparents' old house which had many old tools). Most significant and interesting for the outside world, however, is the way in which the Amish have been abel to adapt machines to compressed-air power wistead of electricity. Scott is very fair about the Amish and shows they do have many problems trying to adapt to a rapidly changing world whilst retaining ideals that stress practicality, gentleness and deep emotional ties. (Recent study of personality theory gives me a quite fresh appreciation of Amish culture). As another reviewer said, this won't permit anybody to simplify thier life. However, it will give a better appreciation of one of the most unique cultures in the world and confront quite a number of misunderstood beliefs about them. There is also a small section on Old Order Mennonites at the back.

This handy little book is an interesting window into the daily life of the modern Amish (OK, that sounds a bit like an oxymoron). It begins with an informative and sympathetic explanation of who the Amish are, and why they live the way they do. After that, the book looks into how they live their lives, making do without electrical appliances.I found this book to be quite interesting and informative. It is far from being a "how-to," so you probably won't be able to take any suggestions from it. But, it does help to give the outsider a more thorough understanding of what daily life is like in an Amish community. I highly recommend this book.

This book introduces the reader to the philosophy and lifestyle of the Amish people. It shows how they live a life of voluntary simplicity, instead of rampant consumerism. If you are interested in de-stressing your lifestyle and learning how simple pleasures are usually the best, you will enjoy this book immensely.