An Amish Approach to Technology

I’ve found, as I get older and wiser, my approach when it comes to deciding whether or not to upgrade my devices is increasingly like that I’ve read of Amish communities.

You see, it is not that the Amish shun modern technology. It’s that they take a very long, mindful, and considered approach as to what technology to adopt, weigh the pros and cons of how it might affect them, their homes, their communities, their way of life and if any of those trade-offs are worth it. Phones, for instance, are fine — as long as they’re not in the home and used only when absolutely necessary. And, if it’s not in any one home, then why not just have one phone in a central location that the whole community can use? So, one can see from this example that really what is at stake with the Amish approach is a question of true value — beyond the material — that every technology must pass and only applied in specific ways in order to be adopted.

Another thing I’ve learned about the Amish is there is also always the question of how a thing can be done as well or better either with an alternative technology or one that is already on hand… Do we need a tractor when we have a horse and plow? The tractor may be easier but what host of troubles does it bring? Then we have to buy gas and parts when it breaks and you can’t hook a buggy up to it and take it into town to sell pies and quilts. Then it’s noisy and disrupts the peace in the community and our neighbors. So, “easier” and “faster” are not things that always trump other considerations for the Amish. These are weighed against other factors equally. Better in one or two ways may be bad in too many others.

This is what has been coming to mind for me as yet another iPhone has been released. I’m still using an iPhone 5 that I, quite reluctantly, “upgraded” to 2.5 years ago. I loved my iPhone 4 but its decreasing battery life and increasing inability to run apps I thought “mattered” to me forced my hand to move up. The iPhone 5 continues to serve me well. That said, battery life and camera performance are my main concerns. I’m aware that upgrading to the iPhone SE would solve both of those in the same, handsome, form factor. That said, there are some thoughts that keep coming up for me…

Upgrading to the SE would mean a change of phone plans and additional cost. You see, when the carriers dropped the subsidized payment model — where you got the phone for “free” with contract — it actually allowed them to raise the price. Now, you either buy the phone outright or make monthly no-interest payments but you still pay the same monthly price for most plans as you used to when you got the phone for free. I’ve priced this out and, basically, what it means for me and my family if we take the monthly no-interest payments route is we will me paying about $40 more per month if both my wife and I upgrade. Kind of a big hike.

If camera and battery life are my main sticking points — if the performance and ways I use it are just fine — then there are other ways I can approach those. I could get a battery case to extend my life or even install a new battery myself — both for less than $30.00. I have a nice, small, lovely camera that I could use for those times when I wish the quality were better. Are there ways I could make it easier to take with me most places? Maybe a nice leather strap to keep it around my neck or a nice pancake lens so it slips easily into a pocket.

My point being that I’m considering all of my options in my considerations. If I have alternative solutions to my two main concerns that are less expensive, in many ways simpler, and solve the problem then why should they not hold considerable weight? Like the Amish, upgrading to something “better” does not always mean it is the best choice and sometimes that means using something that is considered old and outdated to the majority.

Things I Love: Instant Pot

InstantPot

I was dubious at first. It was Prime Day on Amazon and my wife spotted a deal there on something all her friends were raving about. It was something called an Instant Pot . The name and list of features she was rattling off sounded like one of those “As Seen On TV” things that only seem to work in the Infomercial. A combination pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer with programable one-touch operation? Do sautéing beforehand right in the pot? It sounded way too good to be true. Especially because I’m the primary cook in the family…

“Perfectly cooked rice in 8-12 minutes? Just throw the rice and water in the pot, put the lid on, push a button, and walk away? Yeah, right!”

” Potatoes and Eggs for potato salad in minutes? Cooked in the same pot at the same time? Get outta’ here!”

“Perfectly cooked Refried Beans without soaking? Just set it and forget it? I’ll believe it when I see it!”

I mean, if this thing did even half the stuff people were claiming it did it would be worth it at double the price. Anything that saves me that much time in the kitchen and/or allows for quick and easy one pot meals is worth it’s weight in gold to me. So, we pulled the trigger and bought it.

I’ve cooked something at least three times a week in it since I got it and each time I’m just blown away. Just this afternoon I made Potato Salad for the first time with it using this recipe and was astonished yet again. Perfectly cooked potatoes and eggs in four minutes. FOUR! I love potato salad and with this I could make it for myself all the time. I’ve also made risotto in eight minutes and a red lentil stew in about 15 minutes.

Steal cut oatmeal. Homemade yogurt (yes, you can make yogurt with this thing). Chili’s and stews. I even made some tasty southern style cabbage that came out just like the stuff that takes hours on the stove in minutes. Seriously, this thing is legit!

What’s also nice is that portions don’t matter. You can cook a meal for one just as quickly and easily as a meal for six. That makes it perfect for anyone — single or not. I could easily see this being the perfect primary kitchen tool for a college dorm or small apartment. One could make fresh, easy, cheap, quick meals every day with this thing. The stainless steel liner makes for easy cleanup too.

It is rare that I jump on the latest gadget craze and walk away this impressed. It’s made me shamelessly brake out in happy dance around the kitchen several times since I got it. If you love to cook or hate to but would like to more often, give the Instant Pot your serious consideration.

How can I help you?

I’m asking, because it’s what I do. To some it may sound hokey or, to the skeptical, disingenuous, but it is really what I love to do — especially through my written work. Some may say it’s my personal brand. I like to say that writing is how I make this world better, friendlier, stronger place. The way that happens is this; if my words or advice can help just one person, even just a little bit, it makes them feel better. They, in turn, are more likely to help those around them, and so on and so on. Thus, the whole world gets a little bit better.

Perhaps, my books can help you. Get this one if you are looking to achieve a simpler or more intentional life. If you are looking for a more mindful approach to technology, this one is the one for you — even if you don’t use Apple products most of the ideas still apply. If you are looking for practical, actionable, advice on living, this one will help you for sure.

I’ve also published a book about writing (especially for an online audience) and one on meditation that anyone can do. These are meant to help too.

I also have a free newsletter that has been warmly received. The schedule, format, and topics are irregular but I’m confident that those that subscribe find something helpful show up in their email inboxes every once in a while. Take a look at the archive if you’d like to get a sense of what I write about there.

Sometimes, I speak to organizations and groups and try to help them. If you are a part of an organization or team that you think would benefit please let me know.

Finally, I now offer personal one-to-one sessions for those seeking my direct help, counsel, and advice. Rates can vary based on level of engagement. Get in touch to discuss pricing and details to fit your need and budget.

The bottom line is that I’m always looking for ways I can help others. It’s who I am. It’s what I do. Let me know if there is some way I can help you.