The simple life

The thesis is not unique. For centuries writers and thinkers have been bemoaning the technology-driven loss of contact with the earth and other humans. The idea that technology dehumanizes us is nothing new to scholars and many children of the 1960s. But many who pound out a living in office cubicles or spend hours in gridlocked traffic have not had time to consider that all that new ''stuff" they are buying to make life easier is making them crazy. Once we are in the machine it is hard to judge its effects on our lives. It could be said that we are so busy serving our machines that we don't have the time to think. I recommend spending a few hours of your valuable time reading ''Better Off." It will give you a new perspective on your life and will be time well spent.

The Brendes -- newly wed, freshly graduated, and bravely idealistic -- decide to spend the first year of their married life in a low-tech Midwest community built on the Mennonite model. Brende calls its members Minimites because their credo seems to be to cut things back to their essence. For 12 months the Brendes give up internal combustion engines, electricity, and all the nifty conveniences such technology makes possible.

They live as many of our ancestors lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries -- as simple, sustainable farmers, close to the land, and close to community. For those of you whose lives are not remote from land, or who remember outhouses, the eternal war between mankind and weeds, or the joy of things as simple as cooling off on a summer day by natural means, the innocence and enthusiasm of this young couple will make you smile.