Distinct Yet Survive

 The Amish's way of life and their Ordnung rules fascinates me:

• Personality: reserved, modest, calm, and quiet.
• Values: submission, obedience, humility, and simplicity. 
• Jewelry is not to be worn, not even wedding rings.
• Children are to attend school through the eighth grade. After that, they are expected to work.
• Some Amish youth do separate themselves from the community, even going to live among the "English," or non-Amish Americans, experiencing modern technology. Their behavior during this time does not necessarily prevent them from returning for adult baptism into the Amish church (Rumspringa).
  
• Word processors are only allowed for school and church administrative use. Cellular phones and voice mail, may only be used by a business to compete.
• Prohibited are central heating in houses, computers, televisions, radios, and using tractors for fieldwork.
• In general a slowness to adopt many conveniences of modern technology. The degree of use of technology differs per Amish affiliation. What is striking is that they all (better: 97%) use a motorized washing machine! See the table below.
  

All in all. "Amish practices evolve over time. As modernization takes place, the Amish negotiate to what degree they will accept and utilize technology and other practices of the outside world. This cultural compromise has allowed the Amish to remain a distinct group, yet survive economically."

P.S. They fascinate me but for me it's a no go because they indirectly reject books and science. Curiosity and wonder are not one of their core values. Such a shame.