Approach Technology Like the Amish

The article explores the Amish community's nuanced approach to technology. Contrary to the myth that the Amish reject all modern technology, they carefully evaluate new technologies based on their impact on the community's core values. They allow or ban technologies depending on whether they promote or harm social cohesion and their way of life. For example, while some Amish use tractors with metal wheels or solar panels, they prohibit cars and connection to the municipal power grid to avoid disrupting their social fabric. Newport highlights this thoughtful, values-driven decision-making as a form of digital minimalism, advocating that others adopt a similar intentional approach to technology—prioritizing what they truly value and minimizing distractions rather than indiscriminately embracing all new tech. The key takeaway is to start with your values, then assess technology's impact on those values before adopting it. Newport suggests this method could be broadly applicable beyond Amish communities as a way to build a better life.

Key Points

• Values over everything!