If the SHTF, what educations will be the most valued

[Irving]

How come there haven't been any votes for sports medicine yet?

No, that's not the one I am thinking of, I'll come back when I remember it.

[RobertB]

Its kind of funny to think about, but my wife's educational background (MBA and CPA) would be just about worthless in this kind of scenario, but all of the redneck skills she learned as a little girl on her grandparents farm would serve us well.

She has the ability to can food, smoke hams and other meats, is a kick ass gardener, and can sew clothing from scratch.

Oh, I think I'd want to bring my pops along too. Cranky old guys who grew up on a farm/ranch and who also have 50+ years gunsmithing experience are always useful!!

This is a good point. My IT skills would be worthless, and I grew up too "city boy" for a lot of the other stuff. I'm working on learning more of those skills so that come that time, I can pass it on to my kids. I know it's just a thought experiment and don't forsee a TEOTWAWKI, but it's not at all hard to imagine the slow crumble instead.

Hey Friday, not to take your thread off topic, but I just thought of a book you might enjoy which ties into this theme. It is called Earth Abides by George R. Stewart. It was written in 1948 and is about a post apocolyptic world where the lead character, Isherwood Williams, tries desperately to re establish civilization. It is very similar to Steven King's The Stand, minus the supernatural elements of that book. In fact, King was accused of "ripping off" the story from Stewart. Anyway, it is one of my favorite books. If you are interested in reading it, I will be happy to lend it to you.

It's been a decade or more since I read The Stand, but I didn't think they were all that similar -- the initial scenario IS similar but they deal in vastly different actual plot and timelines. For Earth Abides I thought it was a bit easy for the survivors at first, but he did have a thoughtful take on their interests and their laziness getting the best (worst) of them. I found the ending quite sad. Very definitely worth the read, great philosophical perspective.

[two shoes]

This is a good point. My IT skills would be worthless, and I grew up too "city boy" for a lot of the other stuff. I'm working on learning more of those skills so that come that time, I can pass it on to my kids.

Better get crackin' or you're fucked... Take them fishing and hunting... hunt with a bow and a gun... Go camping... get them in scouts...

[GreenScoutII]

This is a good point. My IT skills would be worthless, and I grew up too "city boy" for a lot of the other stuff. I'm working on learning more of those skills so that come that time, I can pass it on to my kids. I know it's just a thought experiment and don't forsee a TEOTWAWKI, but it's not at all hard to imagine the slow crumble instead.

I didn't mean to come off as being insulting. I think education is for most people, the key to success. I'm proud as hell of my wife and what she has accomplished with her education and career. (financial analyst with Hewlitt Packard)

Could you tell me what TEOTWAWKI means?

It's been a decade or more since I read The Stand, but I didn't think they were all that similar -- the initial scenario IS similar but they deal in vastly different actual plot and timelines. For Earth Abides I thought it was a bit easy for the survivors at first, but he did have a thoughtful take on their interests and their laziness getting the best (worst) of them. I found the ending quite sad. Very definitely worth the read, great philosophical perspective.

Both were fascinating books.

[Irving]

The End Of The World As We Know It


I had to look it up.

[KevDen2005]

This is a good point. My IT skills would be worthless, and I grew up too "city boy" for a lot of the other stuff. I'm working on learning more of those skills so that come that time, I can pass it on to my kids. I know it's just a thought experiment and don't forsee a TEOTWAWKI, but it's not at all hard to imagine the slow crumble instead.

It is never too late to start learning new things. I wouldn't say I am too much of a country boy even though I sometimes wish that I was more of one. Just get out there and start practicing, I bet you could find dozens of people on here that would be more than happy to take you out and show you how to make a fire and tie knots and stuff like that. Also remember to practice, some skills you lose if you don't use, I am also guilty of this.

[William]

1) Survival manual of some sort
2) How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time
3) Anarchists cookbook (not everyone will be nice)

[SA Friday]

1) Survival manual of some sort
2) How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time
3) Anarchists cookbook (not everyone will be nice)

Yes William, you too will not make the cut for my Eutopian commune after the world swirls the bowl. Cannot follow directions.

[William]

Yes William, you too will not make the cut for my Eutopian commune after the world swirls the bowl. Cannot follow directions.

Bummer, guess you lost your brewer. Will have to reread your post.

[earplug]

I'd be happy with a good old rancher or Dairy farmer with years of practical can do its.
And I used to know a man who could grow decent carrots, veggies and fruit trees in the area.