For 300 years, the Amish—living a simple, God-centered life—offer modern civilization a spiritual insight: why not embrace a harmonious, pastoral life?

The Amish, a German-descended group from Northern Europe in the 18th century, now number around 300,000 across several North American states, primarily Pennsylvania and Indiana. They belong to a Christian sect that values simple, self-sufficient rural living, steadfast devotion to God, and communal cooperation. They avoid politics and military service, remain humble, and practice endogamy (marrying within the sect).

Amish life is characterized by traditional “men plow, women weave” rural labor. They take pride in maintaining medieval customs: each family has large farmland and a home, producing sufficient food and goods for the market. Modern electrical devices are seen as corrupting; they reject cars, electric appliances, and computers. Instead, they rely on horse-drawn plows, horse carriages, gas lamps, and very limited electrical use.

A typical Amish district consists of about 200 people and does not maintain a formal church building; worship rotates every two weeks among homes. Families are large, often with 5–6 children. Amish schools run 8-year programs, teaching English, math, agriculture, construction, blacksmithing, and other practical skills. Students are free to pursue public education if they choose.

Amish people are known for honesty and integrity; business is conducted through trust and a handshake, not formal contracts. Their communities are self-contained, providing a balance of natural life, social harmony, and selective use of modern conveniences. The Amish showcase a simple yet deeply fulfilling life rooted in God, offering a living example of sustainable harmony.

The Amish way of life parallels Confucius’ ideal of Datong (“Great Unity”): “Parents are loving to children; men fulfill their duties, women have their proper roles; the strong contribute, the young are nurtured; the capable are selected; rulers and ministers act righteously; friends keep trust; elders and the deceased are cared for; widows, orphans, the disabled, and the destitute are supported; everyone contributes; resources are used fully; no hoarding; roads are safe; doors remain unlocked; hearts are harmonious; society is peaceful; all aligns with the Way.”

Their small-scale communities reflect many aspects of this Confucian ideal: social cohesion, moral integrity, care for all, and harmonious coexistence.

Hu Jintao foresaw the importance of restoring Confucian harmony in Chinese governance. In 2006, he published “Social Harmony is a Chinese Characteristic”, emphasizing that “power belongs to the people,” laying the groundwork for potential constitutional reform. In 2009, he supported the film Confucius and actively promoted it. That same year, China produced 270 “Harmony” high-speed trains, symbolically spreading the idea of social and political harmony nationwide.

In 2011, Hu approved the erection of a 9-meter, 9-ton Confucius statue at Tiananmen East, but it was removed within three months by Jiang Zemin, halting the Confucian revival. Under Xi Jinping, the statue remains in museum storage, and his push for lifelong leadership in 2022 further crushed the prospects of Confucian revival.

Had Hu been able to continue his program for twelve years, China could have gradually established thousands of harmonious “Datong villages” across the country, slowly realizing Confucian ideals at a societal scale.

The Amish exemplify that small communities rooted in moral discipline, God-centered faith, and mutual responsibility can achieve long-lasting harmony. In China, Confucius’ vision could do the same at a national scale—if allowed to flourish.