1000 Things You Should Know.


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.

  1. You need to know how to cook, for yourself and for a group.
  2. Basic first aid. How to stop bleeding, put on a bandage, clean a wound, perform CPR.
  3. Be able to swim 500 feet and/or stay a float for 30 minutes at a minimum.
  4. The basics of good nutrition.
  5. How to diagnose a computer problem and figure out where the problem really is.
  6. 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.
  7. Basic accounting. How to balance a check book. How compound interest works for and against you.
  8. How to make a difficult decision. Weighing pros and cons.
  9. Everyday law. How the courts work.
  10. How taxes work. Who taxes what and how.
  11. How to take responsibility for your actions.

    And to steal a quote from Robert Heinlein:

    – Robert Heinlein, writing specialist

    In our culture you probably don’t need all of this, but there are a few I’d add to the 1000 list.

  12. Comfort the dying. At least know how to be in their presence.
  13. Take and give orders.
  14. Get something done on your own.
  15. Get something down with others.
  16. Basic self-defense and how to avoid a fight.
  17. Care for those younger than you. Includes changing a diaper, and how to entertain a three year old.
  18. The difference between a good person and a bad one.
  19. How to ride a bicycle.
  20. 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.

  21. How to find a job.
  22. How to write a resume and fill out an job application.
  23. How to interview for a job.
  24. 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.

  25. Basic personal hygiene. How to bathe, wash and brush your teeth.
  26. How to keep a living space clean.
  27. How to send a letter or package.
  28. How to send email.
  29. What to do with a gun. Even if that is to leave it alone if you encounter one.
  30. How to dress appropriate to an occasion.
  31. How to play poker.
  32. How to tie a knot.
  33. How to glue stuff together.
  34. How design an exercise plan. Including knowing the difference between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise and why you need both.

One Comment

  1. Jen says:

    hmmm, I don’t know much about compound interest or how to change a diaper…


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