[snikeris]

> I think reading this helps me imagine a version of the future I'd actually like to live in. A version where technology is used well (rather than preaching for abstinence from technology)

I believe the Amish figured this out over a century ago.

[aleph_minus_one]

> I believe the Amish figured this out over a century ago.

The Amish rather came to a different conclusion (which I don't want to judge on, but on which I nevertheless have a different opinion than the Amish).

[46493168]

What is that conclusion which differs from the post you replied to? The Amish are mindful about their technology adoption.

[aleph_minus_one]

> The Amish are mindful about their technology adoption.

The central idea concerning the Amish's relationship to technology is that only technology is allowed if it does not destroy their community.

My personal values are much less based on upholding a community, but rather are much more rooted in individual freedom and independence. This means that I (likely) come to very different conclusions regarding this class of problems than the Amish do:

For example, I am less opposed to various kinds of technology that Amish would likely consider as as "community-destroying".

On the other hand, I guess I am much more opposed to technology that can be used to surveil the user and/or makes the user dependent on the whims of big tech companies than I guess the Amish are (i.e. the Amish would likely consider this as a much smaller problem concerning which technology to allow vs disallow; as I wrote: by my understanding their central concern is which consequences some technology has for keeping their community together).

To give evidence for the previous point: (by my impression - I am not US-American) you will rather not find many Amish people at political rallys against surveillance laws. The people who attend such rallys typically also have strong opinions on which technology to use or not to use (just talk to such people who are very strongly opinionated :-) ), but - as I pointed out - these technology choices come from very different basic premises than those of the Amish.

[snikeris]

Yeah they probably wouldn't show up to a political rally because of this:

> Separation from Evil

> The community of Christians shall have no association with those who remain in disobedience and a spirit of rebellion against God. There can be no fellowship with the wickedness of this earthly world; therefore there can be no participation in the organizations, works, church services, meetings or civil affairs of those who live in contradiction to the commands of God (this may include Catholics and Protestants as well as other religions and pagans). All evil must be put away, including using weapons of force such as the sword and armor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schleitheim_Confession