Seth asks What are the 1000 things you really need to know.
This has special meaning to me because I home school my kids and I could make sure they learn all these things. I hope Seth is planning a total list of the 1000 things when it is done.
He starts a the list, here are a few of my additions.
- You need to know how to cook, for yourself and for a group.
- Basic first aid. How to stop bleeding, put on a bandage, clean a wound, perform CPR.
- Be able to swim 500 feet and/or stay a float for 30 minutes at a minimum.
- The basics of good nutrition.
- How to diagnose a computer problem and figure out where the problem really is.
- How your country’s political system works on a macro level. In the US you should at least know how a bill becomes a law.
- Basic accounting. How to balance a check book. How compound interest works for and against you.
- How to make a difficult decision. Weighing pros and cons.
- Everyday law. How the courts work.
- How taxes work. Who taxes what and how.
- How to take responsibility for your actions.
And to steal a quote from Robert Heinlein:A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
– Robert Heinlein, writing specialistIn our culture you probably don’t need all of this, but there are a few I’d add to the 1000 list.
- Comfort the dying. At least know how to be in their presence.
- Take and give orders.
- Get something done on your own.
- Get something down with others.
- Basic self-defense and how to avoid a fight.
- Care for those younger than you. Includes changing a diaper, and how to entertain a three year old.
- The difference between a good person and a bad one.
- How to ride a bicycle.
- The correct way to lift something heavy.
That’s twenty and I’d better get back to my job.
Which reminds me of a few more. - How to find a job.
- How to write a resume and fill out an job application.
- How to interview for a job.
- The difference between a job and a career and wether you need one or the other at this point in your life.
UPDATE: Can’t get this one out of my head. Here’s some more. - Basic personal hygiene. How to bathe, wash and brush your teeth.
- How to keep a living space clean.
- How to send a letter or package.
- How to send email.
- What to do with a gun. Even if that is to leave it alone if you encounter one.
- How to dress appropriate to an occasion.
- How to play poker.
- How to tie a knot.
- How to glue stuff together.
- How design an exercise plan. Including knowing the difference between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise and why you need both.
hmmm, I don’t know much about compound interest or how to change a diaper…
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