This article was first published by Daily Friend on 17 August 2025
I had a discussion recently about what is wrong with South Africa and Black South Africans. One speaker was very emphatic that most Africans lack education and vote for the wrong parties and people as a result. This is a widely held view amongst many Whites. This could not be fixed in the short term and South Africa was doomed. I pointed out that most Africans, like most citizens, don’t vote at all (only 40% of eligible citizens vote for one reason or another). And when they do vote, it is usually for people who look and sound like them, just like we all do.
There is a widely held perception that Western values are the peak of human development. Many believe that western ethics, politics, science, medicine, engineering, military prowess, economics, and education are better than all other alternatives. Westerners enjoy the good life and are masters of the universe. These are believed to be self-evident truths resulting in the best life, the most freedom and the greatest happiness for all. Other nations, other civilisations, other concepts are at best a poor second, easily dismissed and often derided. China only succeeds when it copies the West, India is a dump, and Africa doesn’t count for anything at all.
And yet I know of a tribe that rejects the Western way of life, remains mired in the past, is deeply superstitious, but seems quite happy with their lot. They are mostly subsistence farmers. They live in extended family clusters. They mostly use animal power for transport and agriculture. They have almost no access to electricity, the internet, or modern technologies such as TV and cell phones. They are very social, often gathering in groups to worship or celebrate life. They do not vote and do not participate in local or national politics. They do not accumulate capital, nor invest in more than the rudimentary requirements for their primitive way of life. They grow the most of their own food. They have limited educational facilities and no universities. They spend most of their time outdoors.
On the plus side, they have a high fertility rate, large families, zero obesity, are physically fit, have excellent teeth, and very few psychological issues. They appoint local leaders, have many local customs, and are strict in their social practices. Crime is minimal, mutual respect widespread, violence abhorred. They do not encourage engagement with the outside world and take almost no interest in it.
Which part of Africa do you think this tribe inhabits?
Of course, they are the Amish of Pennsylvania. You knew that, right?
- They don’t have to be educated to be intelligent.
- They don’t need a gym to be fit.
- They don’t need porn to be prolific.
- They don’t need hundreds of medicines to be healthy.
- They don’t need continuous entertainment to be content.
- They don’t need excessive amounts of food.
- They don’t need therapy to be sane.
- Their food doesn’t poison them.
- Their children are taught to be honest, polite and obedient
- They are law-abiding to a fault.
- They are not defined by their possessions.
They don’t trust outsiders, particularly government. They have very little patience for the often flabby, unfit and pale “experts” who regularly show up to regulate them, or inspect their food, or children, or relationships. They are often resented by neighbouring communities, but generally just live in peace without violence.
How is this relevant to South Africa? Avoid making assumptions about the life others choose. Avoid thinking you have ALL the answers. Avoid being blinded by the obvious – look deeper.
The Amish choose their way of life. Most South Africans have it thrust upon them. Many South Africans would benefit from more Amish virtues – hard work, prudence, spirituality, peaceful and non-violent behaviour, forbearance.
While I am a great admirer of the West and its values and achievements, we make a huge mistake to believe the Western way is the only way.
