Submitted 13 hours ago by over_clox@lemmy.world to [deleted]
The thing about amish is they accept or reject a tool or technology based on whether the community will benefit or not. So a few may have cell phones, or get to use tractors etc.
But it varies a lot from community to community. I’ve seen amish run electronic distribution companies (miller tech), side by sides, e scooters and even one amish guy tearing it up on a One Wheel.
I think it depends on which Amish community, since they all adopt different degrees of self-sufficiency. See nebula.tv/…/hai-how-amish-people-get-around-not-u… (or on YT).
Dust off that abacus
I sure will 👍
Like others have said, the degree of technology permitted and a lot of other things vary a lot from one amish community to another.
But in general, most Amish aren’t going to school beyond about 8th grade. Some of them might be getting some sort of vocational training in addition to that but you’re probably going to have a hard time finding any kind of opportunities for Amish higher education.
In general, they tend to get more leeway for using technology as part of their business than for personal use, they might have a computer to help track business expenses, maybe even a business email or have a website for selling their goods online. It’s possible they might even be allowed to have a car or use a tractor for certain purposes.
But as far as just pursuing a math education, that’s probably gonna be a no-go. And if they somehow do permit it, you’re probably gonna need to get by with a pencil, paper, slide rules, etc.
I actually know how to use a slide rule, so challenge accepted
The Amish have a pretty bad inbreeding problem. You sure?
Which is why they need OP
bring my Casio graphing calculator
continue my math studies?
Logically, it’s not the calculator itself. It’s the second question that matters.
Since they do not need that kind of math, why would you continue it?
Infinite series…
Study your own mathematics, maybe you’ll discover Sine and Cosine, maybe even Tangent…
To say it more directly: They would not have you doing useless studies, like they would not have someone who walks in circles around a tree the whole day long.
Depress_Mode@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
The Amish tend to be pretty insular communities that have had the same extended families for generations, so being truly accepted might take a few years. Most “English” people who join tend to return to ordinary life within that time after the charm of the rustic lifestyle wears off. You’d also be required to learn Pennsylvania Dutch, as well as abide by all the other community rules, of course. Some Mennonite communities live pretty similar lifestyles, but are a little more relaxed in terms of strictness, so you may find them more forgiving, especially if it’s to continue studies.
SolidShake@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
Dang you make it sound like some kind of religious cult.
Depress_Mode@lemmy.world 11 hours ago
😳
For real though, they aren’t unlike many other fundamentalist sects across different religions, so one going in should expect pretty strict adherence to their interpretation of biblical doctrine. That’s one of the things they’re famous for, besides the no technology, raising barns, and building quality wooden furniture. Nowadays, there’s a bit of flexibility regarding technology depending on which Amish community you live in, especially if it’s to promote an Amish business, but there are still limits. All that being said, most newcomers who leave do cite the religious aspects as growing tiresome over time.
But it’s not like the Amish are the kind of people who won’t let you leave or anything, they’re actually pretty big on the idea that one has to want to be a part of the Amish church and that it can’t be forced on anyone; they even have that Rumspringa thing were kids are sent out into modern society at 16 until they decide whether they want to formally join the church or not. They don’t believe in evangelism of any kind. I can’t claim to be any kind of expert, though, I’ve just had a personal fascination with them for awhile.
I didn’t intend for my first comment to come off that way, but I believe everything I’ve said is factual.