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Your interpretation of my usage of luddite is correct. I was talking about what first comes to mind when I hear "Amish". That's a little different from what I a

by chroma 11y ago

Your interpretation of my usage of luddite is correct. I was talking about what first comes to mind when I hear "Amish". That's a little different from what I actually think their beliefs are. That said, while I know the Amish have a more nuanced view than simple luddism, I don't think it's an unreasonable one-word summary. If there's one thing the Amish are known for, it's their lack of much of modern technology. Heck, most Amish spurn refrigeration. If that can't be called luddism, then I don't know what can. I've seen the Amish hackers post before, and I always thought it perfectly demonstrated the Amish's schizophrenic relationship with technology. They won't use the electrical grid because they don't want to be tied to the rest of the world. OK, so where do they get the diesel to run their generators? They certainly don't extract and refine their own petroleum products. Many use compressed air to avoid electricity, but who provides them with pressure vessels and braided metal lines for these devices? Who makes their CNC mills and software to operate them? Etcetera. They need the outside world to maintain their standard of living. They just have an extra step or two of indirection compared to most of us.

paulryanrogers 11y ago
Based on what I've read it seems they're most concerned with the impact of consuming technology on their immediate community. My guess is they aren't as concerned about the production of what they consume.
tzs 11y ago
Where did you get the idea that most Amish spurn refrigeration? Many don't have refrigerators, but that doesn't mean they don't have refrigeration. Those without refrigerators usually use ice boxes. I don't think most Amish view the issue of being tied to the outside world or not as a binary thing. It's a matter of how tied they wish to be. Using diesel and using electricity from the grid both tie one to the outside world, but not to the same degree. With diesel you have many possible suppliers so if you have a problem with one you can switch to another. You can stockpile it so you can go for a long time without outside contact if you need to. With electricity from the grid you generally only have one supplier. When the grid goes down you are down. You have to physically connect to the grid, and have equipment owned by the power company on or near your property, such to visits from the power company. All in all, going on the grid entwines you much more with the outside world than does using diesel.

by chroma 11y ago

paulryanrogers 11y ago

Based on what I've read it seems they're most concerned with the impact of consuming technology on their immediate community. My guess is they aren't as concerned about the production of what they consume.

tzs 11y ago

Where did you get the idea that most Amish spurn refrigeration? Many don't have refrigerators, but that doesn't mean they don't have refrigeration. Those without refrigerators usually use ice boxes. I don't think most Amish view the issue of being tied to the outside world or not as a binary thing. It's a matter of how tied they wish to be. Using diesel and using electricity from the grid both tie one to the outside world, but not to the same degree. With diesel you have many possible suppliers so if you have a problem with one you can switch to another. You can stockpile it so you can go for a long time without outside contact if you need to. With electricity from the grid you generally only have one supplier. When the grid goes down you are down. You have to physically connect to the grid, and have equipment owned by the power company on or near your property, such to visits from the power company. All in all, going on the grid entwines you much more with the outside world than does using diesel.