I don't think anyone can judge another culture's beliefs or rituals. You are looking at it from a Western point of view. What they are doing works for their society. What makes you think our culture has the right idea? War? Disease? Politics? Healthcare? GEORGE W FREAKING BUSH??
Some days I would gladly give up my job and my home to live remotely and experience a life away from technology. How many people out there do you think would actually survive that?