A Radical Question
If life is short (which it is) and resources are limited (which they are), what is the most important skill set we can learn? A world language that can make us "go places"? Business skills that will get us ahead? A professional that will bring us satisfaction, esteem and wealth? Communication skills that will make us leaders? Or could it be something as old as humanity itself?
If life is short (which it is) and resources are limited (which they are), what is the most important skill set we can learn? A world language that can make us "go places"? Business skills that will get us ahead? A professional that will bring us satisfaction, esteem and wealth? Communication skills that will make us leaders? Or could it be something as old as humanity itself?
Considering this question for many years (which I have) I continue to come to the same conclusion. My answer may be radical, but then, so is the question.
The most vital skill set, in my opinion, is something that is not taught in schools. In fact, it appears to be discouraged from virtually all directions (which it is), since the lack of this skill set makes the modern world go round. It is virtually absent from urban life in the developed world, yet its mastery among so-called primitive and poor nations is being squashed in the name of progress. It is the natural endowment of every human being, yet most of us have been disowned.
The Single Most Vital Skill Set
The Single Most Vital Skill Set
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| Image: watelighting |
Outrageous - Is It Really?
Of course I would not suggest that we all leave our professions and overthrow educational structures. There is a reason, after all, why we have specialized, and certainly not everyone can do everything. Moreover, complete self-sufficiency is very hard work, though a small start is a stimulating pleasure. But I do think it is feasible and rewarding for everyone to start growing some of their own food, learn more about things like generating energy to replace some household electricity, and try out a few traditional crafts before they are lost from memory.
Of course I would not suggest that we all leave our professions and overthrow educational structures. There is a reason, after all, why we have specialized, and certainly not everyone can do everything. Moreover, complete self-sufficiency is very hard work, though a small start is a stimulating pleasure. But I do think it is feasible and rewarding for everyone to start growing some of their own food, learn more about things like generating energy to replace some household electricity, and try out a few traditional crafts before they are lost from memory.
Self-Sufficiency and Education
As to education, as a language learning specialist I have all the theoretical and practical evidence that learning with enhanced context and memorable activity exponentially boosts proficiency. There is no reason why our stale textbooks (and sparkly smartboards) can't be augmented with food gardens, skills workshops and self-sufficient crafts. In fact, there are many places around the world where English is taught where these activities may be the most useful part of the curriculum. In the deep murky depths of the collective English Language Teaching Conscience there festers the awareness that much as English is taught to promote "progress" it can also extinguish rich tradition and heritage. Self-sufficiency is the ultimate source of content based learning, and perhaps the greatest contribution this industry may offer.
As to education, as a language learning specialist I have all the theoretical and practical evidence that learning with enhanced context and memorable activity exponentially boosts proficiency. There is no reason why our stale textbooks (and sparkly smartboards) can't be augmented with food gardens, skills workshops and self-sufficient crafts. In fact, there are many places around the world where English is taught where these activities may be the most useful part of the curriculum. In the deep murky depths of the collective English Language Teaching Conscience there festers the awareness that much as English is taught to promote "progress" it can also extinguish rich tradition and heritage. Self-sufficiency is the ultimate source of content based learning, and perhaps the greatest contribution this industry may offer.
Bottom line
Life is short. Resources are limited. The economy, ecology, ethics and health of our world are on shaky ground by any standards. In this light, I believe the single greatest thing any of us can learn is self-sufficiency. Even if it starts as small as a cherry tomato on a windowsill, a sun-powered camping shower or a handmade basket. Self-sufficiency is not a subject, but a medium for learning - whether it is language, math, life sciences or engineering, they are all embodied in this most empowering skill set of all.
Life is short. Resources are limited. The economy, ecology, ethics and health of our world are on shaky ground by any standards. In this light, I believe the single greatest thing any of us can learn is self-sufficiency. Even if it starts as small as a cherry tomato on a windowsill, a sun-powered camping shower or a handmade basket. Self-sufficiency is not a subject, but a medium for learning - whether it is language, math, life sciences or engineering, they are all embodied in this most empowering skill set of all.
A few Self-Sufficiency Links for the Inspired:
Practical Self-Sufficiency: Companion website to the informative, can-do book of the same name.
Self-Sufficient-ish: A realistic blog looking at being more self-sufficient as an urbanite.
Food For Wealth: An easy-to-use kit teaching how to grow your own food easily in an average garden.
Disclosure: I am daily reader of The Practical Guide to Self-Sufficiency, a sincere fan of Self-Sufficient-ish and an ardent affiliate of Food for Wealth.
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| Image: Food for Wealth |
