Amish Ingenuity

June 10, 2010 in Miscellaneous with 4 Comments

       Living in “Amish country” often affords me the privilege of seeing some interesting sights. Take this one for instance:


Amish Ingenuity


       And in case you can’t tell what’s wrong with the picture, I’ve zoomed in and highlight the problem for you:





       This is an example of the dangers of extreme frugality (frugality at the expense of safety). I hope this was just a temporary fix!

       This was just an interesting picture I wanted to share with you all. Hope you got a laugh like I did! :)

       And yes, the Amish do drive tractors occasionally. Some even own tractors, but those tractors won’t have rubber wheels. Instead, they use steel wheels. I’m guessing this guy was borrowing the John Deere from a neighbor.

About Paul Williams: Paul Williams is a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Enrolled Agent in Lancaster, PA. He has a passion for walking alongside people who want to manage their finances in light of the reality of the kingdom of God. Learn more about his financial planning and tax preparation services.

All posts by
  • Donna

    Love the pic! On another note, please pray for me. I am having my gallbladder removed on Friday 6/11! I have been sick for the past few weeks. It is actually a blessing I guess!

  • http://www.providentplan.com Paul Williams

    Glad you liked it, Donna! I will keep you in my prayers. You’ve been a great encouragement to me and a blessing from the Lord. I pray He will help you recover quickly and bless you with good health as His will allows!!!

  • http://morethanfinances.com/ Darren

    Funny picture! On a more serious note though, I read a book that illustrated the qualities that made Amish businesses so successful.

    I was so curious about it that I wrote a post on it. Interestingly, I found that one of their many traits that make them successful is their ingenuity! Because they tend to limit technology and strive for a more simpler life, it forces them to be more creative.

    Is that something you’d agree with Paul?

  • http://www.providentplan.com Paul Williams

    Thanks for commenting, Darren!

    I would agree that low overhead and creativity are probably the main keys to Amish business success (combined with the emphasis on community). These are good practices for any person who wants to start a small business with a small budget. They’re the same principles I’m using in my own business and that’s why I’m already making a profit in my first year.

    In many ways, we can learn a lot from the Amish. But I don’t think hay wagon repair is one of them. (at least not from this guy) :)