What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World

The Amish have a lot to teach twenty-first-century Americans, such as relying on apprenticeship education, out-Ubering Uber, and adapting others to fit their values. This book offers a critique of modern culture that is provocative yet practical, pairing storytelling with informative and reflective passages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

In our fast-paced, hyper-everything world, the traditional plain-living Amish have a wealth of lessons to offer twenty-first-century Americans. It may seem surprising to seek guidance from one of America's most traditional groups, particularly a community that values simplicity, humility, and resistance to modern progress. However, their wisdom confirms that even when they appear to be lagging behind, they are actually ahead of us in many ways.

Donald B. Kraybill, a renowned researcher who has spent four decades studying Amish communities, has compiled a captivating book that sheds light on important lessons from these fascinating Plain people. Through his insightful essays, readers gain a deeper understanding of community, family, education, faith, forgiveness, aging, and death.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Amish is their reliance on apprenticeship education. Instead of pursuing formal schooling, children learn practical skills and knowledge through hands-on experience working alongside their elders. This approach not only fosters a deep sense of community but also equips individuals with the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives.

Another area where the Amish are ahead of us is in their transportation system. While many of us rely on Uber and other ride-sharing services, the Amish have been hiring cars owned and operated by their neighbors for nearly a century. This not only supports local businesses but also reduces carbon emissions and promotes a sense of community.

Kraybill also delves into how the Amish function in modern society by rejecting new developments that harm their community while accepting those that enhance it. They are known for their adaptability and ability to find creative solutions to challenges that arise. This approach has helped them maintain their traditional way of life while adapting to the changing world around them.

What the Amish Teach Us is a thought-provoking and practical critique of modern culture. Through engaging storytelling and informative passages, the book challenges our assumptions about progress and prompts us to question why we do what we do. The essays offer valuable insights into the importance of community, simplicity, humility, and resilience in a world that often values materialism and superficiality.

In a time when civil discourse is often raw and coarse, and our social fabric seems torn apart, this book offers a refreshing perspective on the values that can bring us together. It reminds us of the importance of valuing relationships, practicing forgiveness, and living in harmony with nature.

Overall, What the Amish Teach Us is a must-read for anyone who seeks to learn from a community that has successfully navigated the challenges of modern life while maintaining their core values. By embracing the lessons of the Amish, we can find a sense of balance and purpose in our own lives and contribute to a more sustainable and fulfilling world.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 134 x 185 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421442174