The steam engine was revolutionary but society survived contact with it. It was a self-limiting technology because it doesn't scale DOWN well. Even internal combustion wasn't a serious disruptor.

The Amish draw the line at electricity, not engines (many communities use gas tractors), and for good reason. Electricity divorced the use of the energy from the production of the energy. It was too convenient. Too scalable. It's impact on the individual was far greater.

The steam engine was revolutionary but society survived contact with it. It was a self-limiting technology because it doesn't scale DOWN well. Even internal combustion wasn't a serious disruptor.

The Amish draw the line at electricity, not engines (many communities use gas tractors), and for good reason. Electricity divorced the use of the energy from the production of the energy. It was too convenient. Too scalable.