Chapter 4

Chapter four reinforces the feeling of togetherness even more so as it seems that the very reason why the community is choosing to forgo technology is because they seek that camaraderie that natural occurrences generate an opportunity for. Furthermore, when nature doesn’t do its’ job, Mr. Miller artificially creates the adversity himself, such as taking down the maple tree in front of the author’s house. I find this to be an idealistic view of just looking at occurrences a different way, welcoming and actually creating obstacles and seeing them as occasions. Although I can see the point, I must admit this is very different form what I am used to: I’m certainly not a fan of obstacles, and would not go out of my way to create them, but once they happen I found it’s best to accept them and do whatever necessary to overcome them.

It’s interesting to see that most of the community members are not traditionally Amish, but they have chose this lifestyle for various theological and ideological reasons. Mr. Miller lists some of the negative effects that a more technologically advanced habitat could have on his children: underage drinking, teenage pregnancy and drug use. Therefore, by minimizing technology this community is trying to preserve its’ purity and religious beliefs.