Community | November 29, 2010 | 103 comments

10 Skills Needed to Thrive in a Post-Collapse World

source: http://globalpoliticalawakening.blogspot.com/2010/11/10-skills-needed-to-thrive-in-post.html

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GLOBALPOLITICAL
Some experts see the perfect storm emerging for a dramatic collapse of Western civilization claiming we've reached environmental, economic, and geopolitical tipping points. Clearly, some skills will be far more valuable than others if this societal breakdown occurs. Sorry bankers, lawyers, and accountants, there won't be a need for you in a post-collapse world.

Before we quantify the skill sets that will be viable, it is important to define the severity of a "post-collapse" scenario. When taken as a whole, together these tipping points could potentially converge to create a post-apocalyptic Mad Max-type world for the vast majority of humanity. However, given the advanced technology that we possess today, it is unlikely to ever become quite that primitive ever again. Surely there will be pockets of energy and food independence no matter what possible scenario unfolds, but the vast majority may be left to fend for themselves.


It would take a serious cataclysmic earth event like a super volcano, a meteor impact, major electromagnetic pulse event, or dramatic pole shift to effect the entirety of humanity. Man-made events like nuclear war, environmental damage, or total economic collapse, no matter how devastating, will be somewhat isolated and contained to specific areas and populations. Incidentally, every nation or territory that has experienced these man-made catastrophes has roared back to life in less than one generation. The only example of nuclear survival was in Japan, while the largest recent big economic collapse was the break-up of the Soviet Union. In both cases those countries went through a very tough period, but ultimately they persevered.

For sake of this article, let's assume that some level of devastation is caused by each type of tipping point in the United States. Our ever escalating wars finally reach our shores by way of long-range nuclear missiles, total economic collapse occurs rendering the dollar worthless, and we would likely have less electricity and water than Iraq did after Bush's "shock and awe" campaign. Gasoline and oil supplies would likely be down to a trickle, halting all supply lines of food and other goods to big box stores. Factory farming will be impossible without cheap oil products readily available. The suffering will be dramatic.

The only question will become, how do the citizens react? Both the USSR and early 1950s Japan were far more agrarian, and far less dependent on big box stores than America currently is. American dependence on long supply lines, interconnected yet vulnerable electric grid, and pharmaceutical-based healthcare may lead to a more severe breakdown of society than witnessed in those countries. Although, innovative technology for alternative energy and agriculture practices will play a part in surviving; but they can only help the few with the knowledge, means, and stability to use them. And stability will be in low supply for some time, resulting in only small groups with relative comfort -- those who planned for the worse. However, as an optimist, I believe that after the initial chaos Americans will rediscover solidarity for one-another, much like they did after 9/11, but this time it will be more sustained out of absolute necessity.

Many articles have been written about how to survive the coming collapse, or what is needed to survive, but not many articles have been written about what skills will have value in a post-collapse world. Imagine fulfilling human necessity without consistent fuel or electricity, large-scale food production, or fully-stocked pharmacies and hospitals. The only form of wealth in a collapsed civilization is the knowledge and skills to produce something of human value.

Here are 10 invaluable skills that will likely help you sustain yourself in a hand-made local world:

Read More: http://globalpoliticalawakening.blogspot.com/2010/11/10-skills-needed-to-thrive-...
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103 comments // 10 Skills Needed to Thrive in a Post-Collapse World

  • rhetoricallyineffective
  • canadameds555
  • Nick19
    • 0
      Nick19  

    • All I need is a Frank Sinatra theme song of Blue Moon and find the bastard who shot me in the head and......oh wait, thats Fallout Vegas. Well, get some leather clad armor and go barbarian with a machete. Sounds feasible enough.

    • 1 year ago
  • oppressed1
  • Paratus
    • -1
      Paratus  
    • oppressed1:

      Good point although I would replace Democrats with liberals who would feel it is the obligation for those who have to spread the survival abilities around so we all benefit.

    • 1 year ago
  • ImConcerned
  • artemis6
    • 0
      artemis6  
    • oppressed1:

      Most of the "liberals" I know have fantastic gardens...... , some have chickens and goats .... Most conservatives I know have guns . So I guess they will be trading what they can hunt for produce ..... or medicine .

    • 1 year ago
  • oppressed1
  • oppressed1
    • 0
      oppressed1  
    • ImConcerned:

      welfare by race

      White 38.8%
      Black 39.8
      Hispanic 15.7
      Asian 2.4
      other 3.3

      you be the judge if democrats make up more of the welfare state.

      Just looking at the pie chart and using some common sense. I would have to say that about 70% of people on welfare vote democrat.

    • 1 year ago
  • ImConcerned
  • oppressed1
    • 0
      oppressed1  
    • ImConcerned:

      HOw do you get that conclusion from those numbers. Yes 90 something % of republicans are white, but nearly 50 percent of whites are democrats. Add that to 95% of blacks that are democrats plus the unproportional way they make up the stats. The best guess would be that your welfare recipients are poor African Americans women or white women who vote democrat.

    • 1 year ago
  • ibrake4rappers13
    • 0
      ibrake4rappers13  

    • People are going to be looking for places to run to. And you have to ask yourself, Are you going to be one of the people running, or one of the people who will provide the shelter for those who are running. You dont want to find yourself being enslaved to someone else.

    • 1 year ago
  • artemis6
  • device80
    • +1
      device80  

    • ummmm, Im gunna say nothing happens and the world keeps spinning as usual, people who believe the world will end in 2012 is insane, what else do you believe in from the mayan culture? do you sacrifice humans ? and did I read someone on here and there whole family have a plan for the collapse?? bahahahahaha !!! wow, move to the mountains and start your own civilazation in that case, dont wait for the world to collapse first.....

    • 1 year ago
  • Pedroptz
    • +4
      Pedroptz  

    • "These are also skills that are not learned over night, but it will be wise to at least have access to books or how-to videos."

      If the apocalypse comes, what are you going to do?

      Youtube!

    • 1 year ago
  • sgwhites
    • +2
      sgwhites  

    • Hmm, between my friends and myself, we pretty much cover the whole list. Though I'd add sewing/weaving/spinning/knitting to the list. We don't think about it, but clothes wear out awfully fast and unless you live somewhere tropical, they'll be necessary for a good chunk of the year.

    • 1 year ago
  • GLOBALPOLITICAL
  • remanns
  • ozoneocean
    • +2
      ozoneocean  

    • "Sorry bankers, lawyers, and accountants..."
      Ha! The reality is that those professions are as old as prostitution, They've always been around in one form or another, after a major societal collapse you'll still have them.

    • 1 year ago
  • bigdadytid
  • XasthurNortt
  • ThatCrazyLibertarian
  • XasthurNortt
  • mcwally
    • 0
      mcwally  

    • yes sure the world by day is becoming a stranger place to live in..but you are always the architect of your particular lifestyle.
      If you succomb by these paranoic scenarios and give up your life to others then what will be your demise a little futher down the road..far better to live-learn and adapt to a changing world that has become a declining evolution instead of a creative evolution for a lot of people..
      Learn and gain more knowledge of the world and take some time out of the cultural ignorance that exists,and you will find a great path that leads to understanding and growth for you...

    • 1 year ago
  • XasthurNortt
  • cantucwearebrothers
  • littlwarrior
    • +1
      littlwarrior  

    • Im ready, I have dreamed of the collapse of society many times. My family we have a plan, when and where to redevous, the most efficent way to loot the supplies we require. Oh we are quite ready, and to be honest we dream of the day when all this governmental and political bullshit is over, and its just us, the family and freinds smart enough to come with us, armed dangerous and ready for anything.

    • 1 year ago
  • im1mjrpain
  • onemalefla
  • remanns
  • Tayllerand
    • +2
      Tayllerand  

    • The writing is on the wall inside the Denver International Airport check the paintings also check the stone hendge of Georgia in Elbertson, google it or go to youtube.

    • 1 year ago
  • Tayllerand
    • +2
      Tayllerand  

    • Have you seen the safe the builded in Europe to put all the seeds of the plants underground in Sweeden, that tells you that something its going to happen in the near future. Check or google what the goverment is building in Denver International Airport , look at the paintings inside the airport the writing is on the wall in those paintings.I know you are going to call insane that I believe in conspiracies, but check it anyway.

    • 1 year ago
  • thedirtman
  • remanns
  • JanforGore
    • -1
      JanforGore  

    • Talk about fearmongering. You know, the world is in bad shape, but I choose to not entirely lose faith...not just yet. And funny, the first sentence of what you posted talks about environmental tipping points yet you deny global warming as a hoax. Your stances just don't seem consistent. I'm beginning to think this is what some people want which is why it only gets written about instead of seeing people on the whole actually doing something to stop it.

    • 1 year ago
  • remanns
  • GLOBALPOLITICAL
  • Radical_Centrist
  • remanns
  • Radical_Centrist
  • remanns
  • observer2121
    • -2
      observer2121  

    • The sky is falling, blah blah blah.

      I wonder if there was a native American guy railing on and on about the end of their world just before the white man arrived?

    • 1 year ago
  • AJILIVIZION
    • +2
      AJILIVIZION  
    • observer2121:

      Well that would have just been prophetic. There are very concrete variables for which we can measure that suggest we are reaching a very critical tipping point. Simplest yet most significant one of all is the mass extinction we are causing. If we continue on the same path of killing off whole species of plants, mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles and insects, then we will go beyond disturbing the natural order and food chain---we will destroy it. This already effects every part of the planet. Food resources for humans are shrinking because of the destruction we have caused. Nobody here needs you to take this stuff seriously. Its up to you to consider preparing survival skills. Or you could laugh it off and poke fun. We'll see who is laughing when the lights go out and no one can tell you why that is or if they will ever be coming back on. It doesn't have to be the end of the world scenario for you to need these skills. Simply consider an environmental catastrophe that leaves the region you live in wrecked and isolated. Help wont come anytime soon become its one environmental disaster after another. Maybe you can get back to some sort of industrial development, but it will be months. (rhetorical) Do you think you could survive?

    • 1 year ago
  • remanns
  • kennymotown
  • Psymoniac
  • kennymotown
  • littlwarrior
  • GLOBALPOLITICAL
  • kennymotown
  • duzins
  • kennymotown
  • GLOBALPOLITICAL
  • PzLuvHappeniz
  • rhetoricallyineffective
  • hanzdogy
  • Nephwrack
    • +2
      Nephwrack  

    • i recommend the US army survival guide and the zombie survival guide. also the red cross first aid handbook, and there's a few other books on botany, wildlife, and native American survival skills that one should pick up. but that's assuming that things will collapse and go all libertarian. we've been through this before and there was no need for survivalism.

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
    • +1
      kennymotown  
    • Nephwrack:

      Been there, U.S. Army survival school and escape and evasion courses, two of them. Ever eat fly s in rice as your only meal while running and hiding for ten miles or more? It's an experience you will never forget, out of a 1,000 man battalion being tested I made it to the free zone 8th. I guess that's one of the reasons why they wanted me to become an officer and offered Fort Benning for Officer candidate school. Not too toot my own horn but using you instincts and everything you have ever learned comes in handy out in the boney' s. Being dropped by helicopter 50 miles away from wherever and having to navigate your squad back to a check point is a test of your will too survive all the time avoided aggressor squads that could be anywhere to try and capture you. What a rush and adrenaline fix that is!

    • 1 year ago
  • Radical_Centrist
    • +5
      Radical_Centrist  
    • Nephwrack:

      I recommend you befriend some Country Folk and LEARN from those who have been living off the land for generations. READING about self sufficiency and living off the land is one thing. Being able to do it even if for a short time is a whole other ball game. This Spring from Mar 12 - Mar 19 a group of friends and I are going for a Survival Week Camping Trip in Venezuela. For 6 days we only eat what we kill or catch.

    • 1 year ago
  • hanzdogy
    • +1
      hanzdogy  
    • Radical_Centrist:

      What country folk are you talking about? I am from a small farm town in Colorado, and everybody I knew shopped at the Walmart in the next town over. The people I grew up with had family that lived off of pickled Russian Thistle (tumble weed) during the great depression, but I seriously doubt that most of them even know how to clean water without a Brita filter. Do you mean Hill people who live in the Ozarks or something?

    • 1 year ago
  • hanzdogy
  • floydyboy
  • Radical_Centrist
    • +2
      Radical_Centrist  
    • hanzdogy:

      All across this Country there are STILL people who know how to live off the land even if they no longer do so. The majority of the Meat in my home aside from the half of a Javelina I have in the Deep Freeze comes from a Store as well. That of course does not mean I could not kill it if I had to.

      I am sure there are people in rural places who still Hunt, Fish, Farm and know how to live off the land. I am also sure if you got to know some them they would be MORE than happy to show you how to do it. I enjoy few things more than teaching people who have never been to rural places how to survive in them.

      This of course is not something you are going to master in a couple of days, but you have to start somewhere. My Daughter turned 14 this year and she killed and dressed her first Deer last year. She now has a new skill set she can teach someone else. I love the philosophy of each one teach one.

    • 1 year ago
  • Radical_Centrist
    • +2
      Radical_Centrist  
    • hanzdogy:

      It is not an organised camp as such. I love extreme camping and since I have a friend who lives in Caracas who I have not seen in a while we decided Venezuela would be the spot for the trip this year. The only big expense is the Air Fare which is about $1150 a piece Round Trip.

    • 1 year ago
  • eden49
  • eden49
  • kennymotown
  • eden49
  • kennymotown
  • unimatrix0
  • remanns
  • Nephwrack
  • BKsaysAction
  • Radical_Centrist
  • remanns
  • remanns
  • eden49
  • kennymotown
    • +2
      kennymotown  

    • Great article! I love this kind of futuristic landscape because it is coming and those with the most troops win! You know why? You always win a fire fight by putting the most rounds down range! Lay low while the big shit happens cause you will need to know the logistics you will encounter in you tribes survival. It never is what you think, most people will over react to the violence that lays ahead, I like to think of this chaos as a horseshoe ambush, you know why? Cause that is total chaos in a combat situation, fire from all sides little cover and people frightened that they will die. You flinch for a second your dead, and the only way out is to gather as many of your squad or platoon as possible and charge one side of the fire that is being laid down on your position. Defense and offense will be your only choices in a world where chaos rules, those without a stomach will soon get one or die. It's not like a video game, imagine being dropped into enemy territory with only a compass and having too fight your way back to what you think is a base camp only too find they are all dead. Food will be at a premium, but you will have to ration and maybe go days without. Communication will be down, that's right no more wheel of fortune or Jerry Springer it's over and you don't know if the Chinese have invaded or the Russians from Cuba. A military mind will guide you too the promised land, whatever that is?

    • 1 year ago
  • controlusplease
    • +1
      controlusplease  

    • Everything I learned about post apocalyptia is from Fallout games.

      Strength: 7
      Perception: 5
      Endurance: 7
      Charisma: 4
      Intelligence: 8
      Agility: 8
      Luck: 6

      And My Tag Skills Would Be Small Guns, Energy weapons, and Medicine.
      Plus That, and Ashur's Power Armor, Lucky Shades, and Red's Bandana, and My Trusty Xuanlong Assault Rifle

      *Satire*

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
  • remanns
  • hanzdogy
  • coolplanet
    • -1
      coolplanet  

    • We should all be worried about a cyber attack on our antiquated electric grid after witnessing the way Iran's nukes were brought down.
      With the current solar maximum expected to be enormous and the shockwave from the astounding event just observed at the heart of our gallaxy (what I like to call Great Balls of Fire as big as the Milky Way) I personally don't think Mad Max stands a chance.
      Perhaps we should head for the caves and rediscover our Cro Magnon roots.

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
  • coolplanet
    • -1
      coolplanet  
    • kennymotown:

      Don't get me wrong. I really wish superman or mighty mouse would come to save the day.
      But methinks what is about to hit us is far beyond any survivalist's skill.
      We all need to be a lot more humble and face the fact that we are not in control.
      I am personally looking forward to the great reckoning and hope it comes sooner than later.
      As Tina Turner beautifully articulated, we don't need another hero.

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
    • +1
      kennymotown  
    • coolplanet:

      I'm looking forward to it, as well! As long as you are your own hero or your tribes hero thats all that counts. Surviving is easy as long as you don't push the line of stupidity! I believe in destiny and a purpose to life, only because of the closet religion I can identify with (Bhuddist) gives me the insight of reincarnation. I've always been a warrior believe it or not in past lives and this current one I am living. My lessons learned from this life and past lives tell me something is coming and I am prepared.

    • 1 year ago
  • observer2121
  • kennymotown
  • remanns
    • 0
      remanns  
    • kennymotown:

      Just don't run into Patton on the other side -you two immortal guys would end up trying to take each others heads off; with that "only one" bit and all. heh

      I think I saw that movie ! p.s .Patton was an eternal warrior,....AND a good poet !

    • 1 year ago
  • eden49
  • kennymotown
    • +2
      kennymotown  
    • remanns:

      Great movie, George C Scott did a excellent job portraying the General. I was stationed in West Germany in one of Patty's old units, not at the same time! That unit was very proud of the General!

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
  • toastyguy11
    • +3
      toastyguy11  

    • I think these are good skills to know, especially since I am a bike mechanic, but more for being environmentally friendly and frugal, I don't really agree with the premise. This isn't the first time everyone thought the country was going to collapse, accepting that there is no future tends to make people base their decisions on that

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
    • +1
      kennymotown  
    • toastyguy11:

      I like you, you haven't a clue what you will be up against but those mechanical skills will come in handy. Equipment always breaks down and your the maintenance guy any good tribe would love to have. Keep your cool and do what you do best, find a tribe and offer your skills they will be a blessing to those in need!

    • 1 year ago
  • toastyguy11
  • kennymotown
  • remanns
    • +1
      remanns  

    • Good list. Added to "SF&F and Comics", and "HackMonsteRPG Dth&Destruction!" groups; good RPG character skill sets and background. Nicely thought out.

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
    • +1
      kennymotown  
    • remanns:

      At first I was thinking the same dungeons and dragon thing RPG gamer concept by this article, but I really think assessing your needs and what it will be like is of utmost importance. I refresh my combat skills and leadership role every once in awhile to test my readiness, cause of the future being in doubt. Hard times could be ahead and those that are prepared are the ones that will live the longest and survive to repopulate what is left of humanity. For a quick and easy test turn off the power and see how living for a week without it is! Your real pr immortal senses come back and you soon learn the basic necessity's you will have to find or live without!

    • 1 year ago
  • AJILIVIZION
    • +2
      AJILIVIZION  
    • kennymotown:

      I didnt have running water yesterday and felt completely lost without it. I'm not anywhere near prepared. That is what I get for growing up spoiled rotten and more fixated on being a news junkie than building actual real life survival skills. I feel overwhelmed because no one in my life seems concerned and I don't know where to go for guidance.

    • 1 year ago
  • kennymotown
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