What is the most important survival skill for the 21st century?
Asked by
Spinel (
3220
)
January 15th, 2010
If you have kids or grand-kids, or are close to a child….what would you tell them is the most important thing to know for living and thriving in this century?
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20 Answers
Knowledge, Education, Reason.
Best case scenario: learn about finances, ecosystems, literature, practical skills, math, and art.
Worst case scenario: learn to shoot and purify water.
Developing mental focus to sidestep distractions.
Traffic Survival. There are some people that say a place full of savages whose only purpose is basic survival at any cost, regardless of life or limb lost, doesn’t exist, but they haven’t been on a cloverleaf in Dallas.
Preparedness for anything
An advanced degree in bullshit detecting.
To harden our hearts whenever we go on the Internet.
The ability to learn, independently where necessary.
The ability to resist extremism and blind hatred.
The ability to care about people in the face of human ignorance and stupidity in government policy, and the failures of the legal system.
How to stay healthy in a world where so many can’t get medical care.
How to be your own PR specialist.
@kevbo, you’re right. There’s so much detritus floating around in the world, thanks to 24-hour news cycles, video games, iPhones and the internet, learning how to be focused and to take time out to commune with oneself will indeed be the difference between the ones who succeed and the ones who are just passing through.
I’d teach my child or grandchild to meditate. Absolutely not kidding.
@aprilsimnel, thanks for the vote of confidence. Unfortunately, I am living on the wrong end of that spectrum. In my case, it’s partially excusable since it’s the nature of the Gemini.
Ability to connect with other people, tell the truth at the times when it won’t get you killed, and lie effectively when the shit hits the fan.
Have a computer, internet anf Fluther, that way you can always find out what you need.
The Zombie Survival Guide.
Common sense, knowing we have the power of choice and the ability to express our own opinions.
Auto Repair.
No really, I am serious.
When you learn auto repair, you learn how everything works together. You learn basic problem solving, and you develop logical thinking.
In the 21st century, computer skills are practically mandatory, and you would be amazed if you knew how many people who use computers actually have no clue WTF they are doing.
The ability to do critical thinking is very important and apparently dying off since people are incapable of taking in data and turning it into actual usable information, preferring instead to just find stuff that supports their preconceived notions, wave it around as “proof” and berate anybody who disagrees or even asks them to actually think about what they are saying. That leads to all sorts of social problems that would go away if people would just fucking think.
@filmfann I got that from Physics, which covers all sorts of other engineering as well. Still, you’re not wrong since I learned all about transistorized speed controls, rechargeable batteries, suspension, gearboxes, and tires from radio control cars when I was younger (the expensive kit-built ones).
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