Peterson Sorenson
The Amish live a life that’s simple, faith-driven, and deeply rooted in tradition. Their way of life fascinates outsiders, but that doesn’t mean they appreciate every question thrown their way. If you ever find yourself chatting with an Amish person, here are 20 questions best left unasked.
Why Don’t You Use Cars?
This isn’t a question of convenience—it’s a matter of belief. The Amish avoid cars not because they hate modern transportation but because they believe it disrupts their tight-knit community. Buggies keep life slower and more connected; owning a car would encourage travel beyond their local circle, weakening community ties.
Do You Miss Electricity?
The Amish don’t see themselves as missing out on electricity—they simply choose to live without it. While some groups allow limited use of generators or batteries, the goal is to maintain a lifestyle that encourages self-reliance and limits distractions. For them, it’s about preserving their way of life.
Can I Take Your Picture?
Photographs are a sensitive subject. Many Amish believe posing for a photo is an act of vanity, which conflicts with their humble values, so asking for a posed picture is considered disrespectful. If you want to be polite, it’s best to leave the camera in your pocket.
Why Don’t You Just Use The Internet?
For the Amish, technology isn’t about what’s possible—it’s about what’s necessary. The internet brings endless distractions and outside influences that could pull them away from their values. By avoiding it, they keep their focus on faith, family, and community rather than getting lost in social media or online entertainment.
Do You Speak English?
Yes, they do. Amish children grow up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch at home, but they also learn English in school. By adulthood, most Amish are fluent in both languages. So, if you ever meet an Amish person and wonder if they understand you, the answer is almost always yes.
Why Do You Dress Like That?
Their clothing reflects their religious beliefs. Simple, modest attire discourages vanity and keeps the focus on piety and community rather than individuality. The lack of buttons, zippers, and bright colors all serve a purpose, reinforcing humility and tradition in daily life.
Do You Watch TV In Secret?
The idea of an Amish person sneaking off to binge-watch a show is a common misconception. Their avoidance of television is about values. Even if they had access, they wouldn’t see the appeal. For them, time is better spent with family, working, or engaging in meaningful conversation.
Why Don’t You Just Leave The Amish Life?
Leaving the Amish isn’t as simple as packing a bag and walking away. Their lifestyle isn’t just a set of rules—it’s their entire world. Family, faith, and community are deeply intertwined, and stepping away often means leaving behind everything they’ve ever known, including loved ones and lifelong traditions.
Do You Pay Taxes?
Contrary to popular belief, the Amish do pay taxes. They contribute to property, sales, and income taxes just like everyone else. However, they are exempt from Social Security and unemployment taxes because they don’t rely on government assistance. Instead, they care for their own, providing support within their close-knit communities.
Are You Allowed To Talk To Outsiders?
If they weren’t allowed to speak with outsiders, there wouldn’t be roadside stands, Amish markets, or business dealings with non-Amish folks. While they generally keep to themselves, they’re not forbidden from interacting with outsiders. They simply prefer to keep conversations practical and avoid unnecessary entanglements with modern society.
Why Don’t You Have A Phone?
Some Amish do use phones—but not in the way most people do. Landlines might be kept in a barn or shared among families, and some communities allow cell phones for business purposes. The difference is they use them as tools, not as distractions from their life.
Do You Get Bored Without Technology?
Boredom isn’t really part of the Amish lifestyle. Their days are filled with work, family, and community gatherings. They don’t see technology as a cure for boredom because they don’t seek entertainment the way modern society does. To them, a productive and meaningful life is far more fulfilling.
Can I Ride In Your Buggy?
It might seem like an innocent request, but Amish buggies aren’t amusement park rides. They’re personal vehicles meant for practical transportation, not for giving tourists a taste of “the simple life.” Some Amish offer buggy rides as part of their business, but asking for a free ride is considered rude.
How Do You Survive Without Modern Medicine?
Many Amish do seek medical care when needed, but they tend to avoid insurance and rely on community-based support to cover costs. While they may use home remedies for minor ailments, they don’t reject modern medicine outright. If a situation is serious, they will go to a hospital.
Do You Celebrate Holidays Like Christmas?
Yes, but not with tinsel and flashing lights. Their celebrations focus on faith and family rather than commercialism. Christmas is about reflection, gratitude, and gathering with loved ones. Gifts, if given, are often simple and practical, like handmade items or home-baked goods. The focus is on meaning, not materialism.
Why Don’t You Just Use Credit Cards?
Amish communities operate on a cash-based system because debt is seen as an unnecessary burden. Rather than relying on credit, they prioritize financial responsibility and living within their means. They believe in working for what they have, which means avoiding the pitfalls of interest rates and monthly payments.
What Is It Like To Be Amish?
This question might seem harmless, but it can come across as prying. The Amish live their lives according to belief and tradition, not for the curiosity of outsiders. They generally prefer not to explain themselves in a way that makes their lifestyle seem exotic or strange.
Do You Think You’re Better Than The Rest Of Us?
The Amish don’t follow their way of life to feel superior—they do it because of their religious beliefs. They don’t look down on outsiders but simply choose a different path. Asking this question assumes judgment on their part when, in reality, they just prefer to focus on their own community.
Can You Show Me Around Your Home?
An Amish home isn’t a tourist attraction because they value privacy and don’t open their doors to strangers for curiosity’s sake. Sure, they operate businesses from home, but that doesn’t mean their personal spaces are open for viewing. Respect for their boundaries is as important as any other social courtesy.
Do You Ever Wish You Weren’t Amish?
This assumes that Amish people are unhappy with their lives, which isn’t the case. They live the way they do by choice, after all. There are folks who leave the community during Rumspringa, but most return because they find deep meaning and fulfillment in the life they were raised in.
