Living Without Electricity: Lessons from the Amish

By Stephen Scott, Kenneth Pellman and Michael Degan

Could you live like the Old Order Amish? A fascinating guide to the everyday habits and skills that let people thrive without modern technology.

In a modern world where technology is taking over our lives, could we lead an essential, simple life without electricity? How can we get by without computers, power tools, phones, or even basics such as electric lights and appliances? The answers lie in Amish communities and other Old Order groups in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that have been living lives off the grid while still affording to be self-sufficient for countless years.

Living Without Electricity examines the Amish response to technology and shows us why and how they live without inventions other people take for granted. Taking lessons from the Amish, learn how to light a room without electricity, keep warm without centralized heating, get around without a car, communicate without a phone, and more. In addition, take Amish instruction on how to cook and store food, pump water, wash clothes, and even run farms and businesses, all while off the electric grid. Reconsider the basic necessities of your life, and you might just decide to orient yourself toward a life with less—or no—electricity!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Good Books
• Release date: Nov 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781680991710

Stephen Scott

Stephen Scott was born in Frankston, Victoria, and educated at Peninsula Grammar and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) College.His passion for teaching leadership developed while serving in the RAAF for more than two decades. After accepting an offer to be promoted and commissioned as an officer midway through his service career, Stephen graduated from initial officer training and later returned to the RAAF College as an instructor to teach leadership. He completed his service in 2003, exiting as a senior executive at No. 1 Squadron in Queensland.Since leaving the RAAF, Stephen has established himself as a prominent author, speaker and facilitator of leadership. As the founding director of his company Laurus Enterprises, Stephen has consulted to multiple sectors including aviation, environmental science, renewable energies, public health, manufacturing, finance, farming, mining and resources, water management, architecture, recruitment, utilities and information technology. Stephen has earned a reputation as a game-changer in leadership through his speaking, writing and programs based on The 15 Disciplines. He leads both the New Principals and Aspiring Principals leadership programs for Independent Schools Queensland and chairs three roundtable groups for experienced independent school principals and senior leaders. He is a Director of the FSAC Limited board that oversees two independent schools and is also the Chair of St John's Anglican College Council in Queensland.Stephen is the recipient of numerous leadership awards and commend-ations, including the RAAF College Officer Qualities Award and the Australian Air Commander's Commendation.Stephen is married to Cassandra and they have one adult daughter, Erin.

Reviews for Living Without Electricity

[Lynda Lumsden · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting and these days with rocketing fuel prices we have a lot to learn from groups that have never had electricity but still live well.