Doing Without
Some people have said that the Amish are living in the past because they choose to avoid technology they feel does not enhance their spirituality, their lives, or their relationships with others. Those who are critical of the Amish avoiding cars, electricity, and so on think that the Amish have not stepped into the present century. Other people feel we could learn a lot from choosing not to embrace technology for technology's source. They feel that picking and choosing technology that enhances an individual's life is more appropriate.
Have you ever thought about what you'd keep from our present technology and what you would leave behind? What would it be?
I thought I could give up my dishwasher recently. I had had a streak of repairs in a row, got fed up with spending money, and thought washing dishes was something that didn't feel too awful...When the washing machine broke down I had it fixed right away, ditto the sink (it wasn't draining) and oh, plumber, while you're here just take care of the way the bathtubs seem slow to drain, too. I know there were one or two other things I paid to fix before I said Enough! So when the dishwasher broke, I thought about how sometimes I get great ideas for my writing when I wash dishes...well, it's been a few weeks and I've had enough. I just want it to be working again so that I can wash dishes mechanically while I'm doing something I enjoy more. Like writing, reading, talking to a friend. Relaxing and playing with my four funny little Chihuahuas.
What else can't I live without? This past week my computer fell victim to a particularly nasty virus that made you think you'd lost everything on it. I mean everything. The only thing left on the desktop was the recycle (trash) bin. I found it harder to leave the computer at the shop than the last time I took a beloved dog to the vet and had to leave her for surgery. Yes, I thought I had backed everything up but there's always that doubt that something important is not there...
Well, the story had a happy ending: the nice owner and his great technician got the virus cleaned out and all my files returned. But the events of the past week surely showed me that with the kind of life I lead (writing and teaching) I can't do without my computer -- or, perhaps more accurately, I don't want to do so.
I'm eager to hear what material things/technology you don't think you'd want to live without.
Have a great week!
Barbara
Have you ever thought about what you'd keep from our present technology and what you would leave behind? What would it be?
I thought I could give up my dishwasher recently. I had had a streak of repairs in a row, got fed up with spending money, and thought washing dishes was something that didn't feel too awful...When the washing machine broke down I had it fixed right away, ditto the sink (it wasn't draining) and oh, plumber, while you're here just take care of the way the bathtubs seem slow to drain, too. I know there were one or two other things I paid to fix before I said Enough! So when the dishwasher broke, I thought about how sometimes I get great ideas for my writing when I wash dishes...well, it's been a few weeks and I've had enough. I just want it to be working again so that I can wash dishes mechanically while I'm doing something I enjoy more. Like writing, reading, talking to a friend. Relaxing and playing with my four funny little Chihuahuas.
What else can't I live without? This past week my computer fell victim to a particularly nasty virus that made you think you'd lost everything on it. I mean everything. The only thing left on the desktop was the recycle (trash) bin. I found it harder to leave the computer at the shop than the last time I took a beloved dog to the vet and had to leave her for surgery. Yes, I thought I had backed everything up but there's always that doubt that something important is not there...
Well, the story had a happy ending: the nice owner and his great technician got the virus cleaned out and all my files returned. But the events of the past week surely showed me that with the kind of life I lead (writing and teaching) I can't do without my computer -- or, perhaps more accurately, I don't want to do so.
I'm eager to hear what material things/technology you don't think you'd want to live without.
Have a great week!
Barbara
I could not live without television, phone and computer. the phone and computer to keep in touch with people and the television for entertainment. I have a great respect for the Amish people.
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After a recent trip through the Holmes County Amish community, I am seeing more and more technology being used. We saw several homes with solar panels on the roof, phone boxes/booths outside of their home, and several cell phones. It's not that they don't use modern appliances, they just operate their things on propane or with a fuel operated generator. I'm not sure I understand the difference between using a generator for electricity vs the local utility company, but I believe it's to be independent of the outside world. We were in southern Indiana a couple weeks ago and even saw and electric fence being fueled by a solar cell. I also am familiar with a few Amish who do have computers in their homes. In Berlin, we visited the enormous Keim Lumber Company and observed many many Amish working there on computers and were quite proficient with helping their customers place their orders. I believe the image we have been falsely given is that the Amish are often like a rural family from the early 1900s and that is just not the case.
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I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I could live without lately too. All of my appliances are getting quite old. That scares me. I definitely could do without the dishwasher. Mine is not built in and it takes up a good piece of space in my 1920s kitchen! I could live without the freezer, but need the refrigerator/freezer and the washer. I could live without the dryer, the TV and all components (can't stand the noise, and my DH always has the volume up as high as it can go). I've decided I like my laptop and printer. My cell phone is necessity nowadays with some physical limitations to deal with. I could live without all of the clutter in my house, all of the knickknacks that just collect dust. I'd like to pare down to just the necessary furniture and lamps and nothing else except pictures of my children and grandchildren. Some candles would be nice to keep and our fleecy blankets for when the power goes out in the middle of a snowstorm. Most of the clothing in my closet and armoir could go to Goodwill along with some shoes (except my Crocs - I couldn't get along without my Crocs). Now if someone would just help me start toting this "stuff" out of here I'd be very content. Unfortunately, my kids are all busy and have their own clutter to deal with, so when the time presents itself I'll start listing things on ebay, and hopefully make a small dent. Then I can just relax in my favorite chair with one of many favorite Amish fiction books and dream about a simple life.
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I COULD LIVE WITHOUT THE PHONE,I COULD LIVE WITH OUT TV BUT WOULDN'T REALLY LIKE TO, BUT THE COMPUTER I AM AFRIED IT IS MY BEST FRIEND. I COULD NEVER LIVE WITHOUT BOOKS. I COULD DO LAUNDRY BY HAND IF I HAD TO. WE ARE SO SPOILED NOW DAYS IT ISN'T EVEN FUNNY.
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I lived in Mexico as a missionary for many years. My living conditions over the years ranged from sparse to not so very different from back home in the USA. During that time, I found that I actually could do without a lot of things. My shower was often a bucket and cup. At times, hot water, when water was available, had to be boiled on the stove or heated in a crock pot. When I look back on some of the more primitive times, I thank God for my microwave,fridge, flush toilets, instant hot water, a/c and heat but most of all MY COMPUTER! I can stay in touch with family and friends at the click of my mouse instead of waiting days or weeks. I am living in the USA now because of ill health. My computer allows me to remain in touch with many of my friends in Mexico. I love technology but I can also appreciate the peace of a simpler lifestyle.
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Well it would be hard to give up my computer,phone,washer,dryer,car,inside plumbing (most of all,lol) been there done that......but I am doing without a dishwasher....and it really isn't that bad.....but I'm only washing dishes for one person.....the only time I miss it is, when I cook for company.....and I really don't do a lot of that......I haven't had one here (moved here over 2 yrs. ago....why they didn't give us a dishwasher is beyond me.....I live in the nicest apts. in my city and we have an attached garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and no dishwasher.....go figure !!!!!! first time I haven't had a dishwasher since around 1975......so it did take some getting used to.....but I'd still perfer to have one.....but this of all things, would be what I could and can do without the most.......can't wait to read other comments.....
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I like this article and its subject !! It got me to thinking I could not do without air conditioning. Of course I live in Texas where it is a must. I wash my own dishes by hand and I hang all my clothes on the clothes line to dry, but I could not do without my washer !! My oven is a must as well as the running water. So, when you start to tally it all up it adds up to quite a bit. I so admire the Amish as it seems they live such a wonderful peaceful life and perhaps they have a bit more time to "do without" some of the things we deem necessary !! Just keep writing and reminding us of the peaceful simple life and we will keep reading !!~
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I thought about what I would do without, I could do without tv only if I could read my books. When we go on vacations we hardly watch it so why not at home.. or maybe the dish washer.
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I really love air conditioning! I also really enjoy television and watching The Waltons and 19 Kids and Counting. I honestly think I could do without some of the other things but I DO love my computer, so.....am I ready to become Amish?? I learned to sew as a child on a treadle sewing machine and loved it. I would love to find one now. My grandparents did not have indoor plumbing so I was used to that from childhood. I am 49 and we did not always have air conditioning. I grew up with a ringer washer as well for many years in my parents' home. I had 3 dolls and one was a hand-me-down of my older sister. I adored them and sewed clothes for them. I loved paper dolls. We played outside most of the time and we gardened. I helped can and freeze vegetables and fruits. I sewed many of my clothes as a young person and still enjoy sewing and many handcrafts, such as crochet, knitting, embroidery, and quilting (new one for me), and oh yes, baking!! I raised my own children to give to others and have always loved giving homemade gifts. We raised our daughters to have a limit on our gift giving at Christmas and we focused on the birth of Jesus and family. Shunning though, I am not so sure that I agree with that as it doesn't seem to be Biblically-supported. Thanks and love your books!
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