Every now and then, I'll take a ride out to the Lancaster area of PA (Amish country), and think that they really do have the right idea. The kids are outside actually playing together, and the adults are so busy just taking care of the day's chores, there isn't much, if any time left. That sure does sound a lot simpler, and probably a lot more well balanced.
Mark
Hmmm.
I had a horse and carriage and used to compete in driving events with her until recently. Lost her in the bankruptcy, but that's another story
The point is that I used to come in contact with a lot of Amish families during events, auctions, etc. Not nearly as idyllic as you paint it. Although it is dangerous to generalize, my impression is that the Amish are a very pragmatic lot in terms of their beliefs. For example, every business card I have been given has had a phone number. They may not allow phones in their house, but many have it hanging in a box in the front yard, with a very loud bell. Shocked me the first time the fellow I was talking to whipped a cell out of his pocket to take a call.
They don't drive, but when they came in from Iowa for the big auction, the families hired big RVs and drivers to bring them in in style. The carriages they sell use space age alloys, dual hydraulic disc brakes and are constructed with laser cut tubing, mig welded and powder coated.
As an aside, I would never personally purchase a horse trained by the Amish folks I knew. They get results, but I feel they are too harsh and impatient. The result is a horse that is obedient, but one that has no joy.
Finally, a picture, because I still miss her:
!!!!
sort of...