Chapter 5 – The Ram

Before I read this chapter I knew the word “ram” to mean a male sheep or to batter or strike something. I have now learned that a “ram” is a certain device that was invented to combine the two uses of water: a water mill for pumping water. When it was suggested that perhaps he would want to build a ram so he could have water at his house, Brende declined because he felt it was not following his commitment to live like the rest of his neighbors. As the chapter progressed he realized that his neighbors chose devices they thought would benefit them. He also noticed that nearly every local kitchen had a cook-stove that was invented by two Amish brothers. It was the first application of the principle of airtight combustion to wood-fired cooking. He also discovered other innovation technology, such as a water mill, a horse-powered hay baler, and a cultipacker. He and his wife realized that it wasn’t the sheer physical burden of unmechanized labor that was daunting. It was the skill, with the foremost skill being able to balance and integrate all the little bits into a single livelihood. He realized that by minimizing technology his neighbors maximized human know-how.

I can see his point in this theory because in today’s world we push buttons and as long as everything is working well it all seems so easy. But when something goes wrong with whatever device we are using, most of us do not have a clue how to fix it. Our recent hurricanes were a good example. When everything shut down people panicked and there was chaos.

I enjoyed the episode with the bulls and the herd of cattle chasing Bernde through the fields. I don’t blame him for panicking in that situation. I would have probably reacted in the same manner.

This was a very interesting chapter and I find myself in awe of this man because I don’t think I would be able to live in this environment for even a short period of time.