11 Comments

Good. (Notice; no "thank you")

Expand full comment

My Hindu Indian daughter also does not say thank you when I prepare dinner, for example, because that’s what mothers do. To say thanks conveys the belief that you do not already respect that role.

Expand full comment

Another cultural difference. Migwech.

Expand full comment

Thanks for the interesting article. I did not know the Amish had little solar powered phone booths before. They accept the use of technology, like phones, when it is not in their home? Or when owned by others (like your car)? Do they have rules about accepting the use of types of medical technology?

Expand full comment

The basic tenet is not to disrupt the family. In the early telephone days, many Amish installed phones in the house only to find them ringing every time the family sat down to dinner. Then phones went outside--away from the house. Amish can ride in a car but not own a car as it would only take them away from the family. Medical tech is fine--just way too expensive for a group that doesn't have health insurance.

Expand full comment

Ah, I have learned something from you. A lot, actually, living in rural Iowa as I do and doing a little business in Kalona from time to time. Your story gives me insight. Migwech!

Expand full comment

I've learned a lot from you, too. Diane. Love your newsletter.

Expand full comment

Very interesting subject, Mary - class, culture, and the language of “civility”. How narrow the universe in which most of us live, where accepted responsibility for one another is replaced with constant thanks when graciousness is extended.

Expand full comment

Thank you 😄

Expand full comment

This is truly enlightening. I'll be mulling it over for a long time. And thank you for the photos. A solar-powered outhouse in a cornfield!

Expand full comment

Fascinating, Mary. And interesting food fir thought in these times of incivility.

Expand full comment