5 Survival Lessons I Learned from the Amish Mennonites

Learning Survival Skills from the Amish Mennonites

Recently AT&T lost the majority of their network throughout the United States leaving millions without service. Even emergency services throughout the country were affected, leaving first responders with their heads in their hands. This has also left many cell carrier customers wondering what could happen next. Many other scary scenarios could happen, including losing our power grid. This means no electricity at all, and it's a chilling thought. Most people don't know how to live without power, but a group of people have been doing it for hundreds of years - the Amish Mennonites. They have learned to live without electricity and can teach us much about survival. This article will explore some essential lessons we can learn from the Amish.

Lesson #1: Using Manual Hand Tools

One thing you'll notice about the Amish Mennonites is how well they take care of their tools. They treasure their tools and keep them in excellent condition. They use tools like axes, shovels, and hammers to get their work done. They also consider their animals, like horses and mules, important farming and transportation tools. They take good care of their animals, too. Learning to use and maintain non-power manual hand tools can be helpful in a world without electricity.

Lesson #2: Homeschooling

The Amish Mennonites value their children a lot, and they homeschool them. Homeschooling is already challenging, but the Amish Mennonites do it without the internet or modern technology. Despite this, their children are often ahead of other kids their age. They learn essential skills for farming and get a good education. Homeschooling can be a great way to learn and prepare for the future.

Lesson #3: Hand Sewing

Living without electricity means you'll need to know how to make and mend your clothes. The Amish Mennonites teach their children to sew from a young age. They can make their clothes and repair them too. Their clothes are designed to be durable, and they use simple fasteners like buttons and Velcro. Learning to sew by hand can be a valuable skill in a world without power.

Lesson #4: Primitive Farming

Farming is essential to the Amish Mennonites community. They don't use heavy farm equipment like others do, but they still manage to grow crops and raise animals. They use horse-drawn equipment and practice crop rotation to keep the soil healthy. They also specialize in different areas and work together as a community. Farming without modern technology is possible, and the Amish Mennonites show us how.

Lesson #5: Plant Identification

Knowing about plants is crucial for survival. The Amish Mennonites grow their crops and learn about wild edibles. They can identify plants that can be used for food, medicine, or even building materials. This knowledge helps them survive even if their crops fail. Learning about plants and their uses can be helpful in a world without electricity.

Conclusion:

The Amish Mennonites have been living without electricity for a long time and have much to teach about survival. They care for their tools, homeschool their children, sew their clothes, farm without modern equipment, and know about plants. By learning from the Amish Mennonites, we can better prepare ourselves for future challenges.

About Me:

Michael Hoskins (Blackfeet), a retired combat army veteran, and his wife Melissa are dedicated to promoting self-sustainability and sharing valuable life-saving skills with their community. They own and operate a 10-acre off-grid mini farm in Southeast Tennessee, where they work to bring back traditional ways of living and move away from modern materialism.

With certifications as an instructor in BLS/First Aid/AED from the American Heart Association, as well as SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) and Combat Life Support qualifications from the US Army, Michael is committed to teaching these critical skills to anyone eager to learn. He believes that in today's uncertain world, empowering others with these abilities is more important than ever.

In his spare time, Michael indulges in his passion for survival camping, honing his skills and passing on his knowledge to others. He also finds joy in Native American drumming, playing the Native flute, and creating Native arts and crafts.

Together with Melissa, Michael continues to inspire and educate others on the path to self-sustainability and traditional living.