The Washington Post · 25 Sep, 18:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Opinion | A lesson from the Amish could help society cope with the future

This Washington Post opinion piece argues that society can learn valuable lessons from Amish communities regarding resilience and simplicity.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

This Washington Post opinion piece argues that society can learn valuable lessons from Amish communities regarding resilience and simplicity. The author suggests that adopting certain Amish principles, such as prioritising community cohesion and limiting technological dependency, could help modern professionals navigate future uncertainties. The story highlights a contrast between rapid digital acceleration and the deliberate, low-tech lifestyle of the Amish, proposing that embracing slowness and human connection may be essential strategies for coping with the complexities of an increasingly automated and disconnected world.

Employer demand for Psychology skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
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This perspective challenges the relentless pursuit of digital efficiency. You should reconsider how you balance technology with human-centric skills. Emotional intelligence, community building, and resilience are becoming premium assets as automation handles routine tasks. Professionals in high-pressure sectors like finance or tech should pay particular attention to burnout risks. A smart move is to cultivate soft skills that machines cannot replicate. Invest in courses that enhance interpersonal communication and ethical leadership. Learn to manage stress effectively and foster team cohesion. By integrating these human elements into your workflow, you position yourself as an indispensable leader who can navigate complexity with grace, ensuring long-term career sustainability amidst rapid technological change.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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