10 Reasons for Going Amish

The idea of "going Amish" in the context of pulling back from modern Western society often reflects a desire to reject aspects of mainstream culture perceived as chaotic, toxic, or unsustainable. Here are ten reasons someone might feel compelled to adopt a simpler, more disconnected lifestyle reminiscent of Amish principles: 1. Overwhelm from Digital Overload: Constant exposure to social media, news cycles, and digital noise can lead to mental fatigue, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection. Retreating to a simpler life reduces screen time and fosters mindfulness. 2. Disillusionment with Consumerism: The relentless push for material wealth and status symbols can feel empty. A minimalist, Amish-inspired lifestyle prioritizes needs over wants, emphasizing self-sufficiency over endless consumption. 3. Mistrust in Institutions: Perceived corruption or incompetence in government, media, corporations, medicine, education, and science can drive people to seek independence from systems they view as manipulative or unreliable, favouring community-based solutions. 4. Environmental Concerns: Industrial society’s environmental toll—pollution, resource depletion, and waste—may push individuals toward sustainable practices like off-grid living, farming, or reducing their consumption. 5. Loss of Community: Urbanization and individualism can erode tight-knit social bonds. An Amish-like approach emphasizes close community ties, mutual support, and shared values, offering a sense of belonging. 6. Moral and Cultural Decay: Some see mainstream culture as promoting superficial values, hyper-sexualization, or ethical relativism. Withdrawing allows them to live by clearer moral codes or traditional principles. 7. Technological Dependence: Reliance on tech for basic tasks can feel suffocating or dehumanizing. A simpler life reduces dependence on gadgets, fostering hands-on skills like gardening, crafting, or manual labor. 8. Health Crisis: Rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, depression, anxiety, and burnout in fast-paced societies may prompt a retreat to slower, more intentional living, where mental and physical well-being takes precedence over productivity and profit. 9. Rejection of Political Polarization: The toxic divide in political discourse can alienate those seeking harmony. An Amish-inspired life sidesteps ideological battles, focusing on personal and communal peace. 10. Desire for Authenticity: The performative nature of modern life—curated social media personas, corporate branding—can feel hollow. A stripped-down existence prioritizes genuine experiences, relationships, and self-reliance. These reasons can instigate a yearning for simplicity, meaning, and stability in a chaotic world. While fully "going Amish" may not be practical, the impulse often leads to partial steps like homesteading, minimalism, or unplugging from digital culture. I went Amish-ish a long time ago, having pulled back from mainstream life early on. It was apparent to me in kindergarten already that my piece would never fit anywhere in the system’s puzzle.

I have never regretted my decision.

Are you ready to trade fast fashion for plain dress, or build something with your own hands? 

Or are you already doing things outside the system like going low-tech, growing a garden, sewing and repairing, and/or enjoying home cooked meals?

Let us know how you are going Amish.