The
Garden


LEARN THESE LIFE SKILLS

I think these are the core life skills.
I aim to learn these throughout my life.
To gain, measure, and maintain them.
There are always new skills to learn.
So, join me or outdo me!


TRY:
What is the air around us made of?
Answer as though a five year old asked you.


Origins
Hunter-Gatherer

Foraging: First, be able to swim, to climb, to make & maintain a fire, to find & purify water, and to build a simple shelter. Next, be able to find edible plants, to set simple traps, to prepare them to eat, and all while avoiding hazardous plants & animals. Last, be able to navigate the land, to signal for help, and to make basic tools from natural materials.


Health & Practicality
Farmer, Healer,
Craftsman,
Warrior, Explorer

Farming: To begin with, be able to compost, to fertilise, to use companion planting, and to sow seeds. Then be able to transplant, to irrigate sustainably, to control weeds and pests naturally, and to rotate crops. Finally, be able to harvest crops timely, and to maintain and repair basic farming tools.

Nutrition: Primarily, be able to find your nutritional needs and the foods you're allergic to, to read food labels, to plan a nutritious meal cycle (with local & seasonal foods), and to prepare all such meals. Additionally, be able to store & handle food, and to minimise its waste. Finally, most importantly, be able to dry fast from sunrise to sunset for a month, and to respond to signs of dehydration and malnutrition.

First Aid: Crucially, be able to save someone choking, to apply pressure to a wound, and to carry out CPR. Next, if someone's in need, be able to call for an ambulance, to put them in the recovery position, and to treat any common illnesses, an allergic reaction, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia. Last, be able to care for burns, to treat minor cuts, and to stabilise fractured limbs.

Hygiene: For your body, be able to wash hands, to brush teeth, to care for nails, to care for skin, and to keep gendered hygiene. For your belongings, be able to wash laundry & bedding, to clean personal items (from cups to cars), and to handle waste. And for the home, be able to tidy all rooms (esp. bathrooms & kitchens). Be able to maintain all these independently for a month.

Crafting: For each material (stone, wood, metal, clay, glass, fibre, cloth), learn of their crafts, and be able to do at least one: so, be able to source materials & tools, to create a product, and to finish the product. For example, for wood whittling: be able to source basswood, knives, and a sharpening stone; then to carve a spoon, say; and then to sand, oil, and test the spoon.

Belongings: Vitally, be able to make and use a natural disaster kit (water purifiers, fire starters, first-aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, and non-perishable foods). Next, be able to organise essential items for daily living (clothes, toiletries, technology, medications, ID, money). Last, be able to clean all items you have and make basic repairs, such as sewing tears in clothes.

Safety: Always be able to keep situational awareness, to de-escalate conflicts, and to fight. Also be able to stop common fire causes, to use a fire extinguisher, to evacuate a burning building, and to stop, drop & roll. And lastly, be able to respond to natural disasters (floods, storms, quakes, heatwaves, and pandemics), and to respond to signs of a heart attack or a stroke.

Fitness: Barring medical reasons, be able to run, to swim, and to cycle for an hour each. Next, be able to do 100 push-ups, 100 squats, and 10 pull-ups, and to competently lift one-third of your body weight. Last, be able to stretch, to touch your toes, to juggle, to hit targets 10 steps away with both arms, and to stand eyes-closed on one leg for 100 breaths each.

Global Geography: First, be able to sketch a physical world map (all continents and oceans, major mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and deserts). Next, be able to sketch a political world map (at least 10 key countries and capitals). Last, be able to sketch similar maps of your country, then your county, giving your full address, all from memory.

Local Geography: Primarily, be able to direct to the nearest water bodies, watercourses, and forests, and to identify local flora and fauna. Secondarily, be able to sketch a basic map of your town (major roads, food sources, emergency services, schools, and government offices). Lastly, be able to explain your town's systems (water, electricity, telecommunications, and waste management).


Language & People
Stranger, Friend,
Spouse, Parent, Child,
Teacher, Student


Grammarian, Translator, Storyteller

For all these skills,
be able to do them in another language,
after your first.

(These skills rest on basic literacy - be able
to speak, to listen, to read, to write)

Linguistics: To begin, be able to transcribe speech phonetically, and to analyse the morphological structure of words. Next, be able to parse the syntax of a complex sentence, to define a word and varying senses, and to adapt grammar & style contextually. Last, be able to analyse discourse for pragmatic elements, and to analyse language for social & cultural contexts.

With everyone, be respectful. So, first, be able to respond appropriately to non-verbal cues, to respect others’ personal space, and to respect others’ personal time. Next, be able to give greetings & goodbyes, to make requests, apologies, and give thanks; to bargain, to argue, and to negotiate. Last, be able to offer assistance, esp. to those in distress with mental health first aid.

As a friend, be loyal. So, be able to regularly commit quality time to them. During this time, be able to have open & meaningful conversations, to provide emotional support (celebrating success & supporting through failure), and to forgive and seek forgiveness. Last, be able to give honest feedback, to be trusted with their secrets, and to respect their boundaries.

As a spouse, be committed. So, be able to give emotional support during life transitions, and to resolve conflicts. Next, be able to maintain physical affection, to fairly divide and maintain domestic responsibilities, and to communicate openly about finances (provision & management). Last, be able to commit to mutual long-term growth, and to support the others’ personal growth.

As a parent, be responsible. So, be able to provide them with their needs; but, to encourage their self-sufficiency. To teach them; but, to encourage their self-teaching. To adapt your parenting style as they grow (esp. speaking about mature topics). To cherish them, however they appear and without favourites. And to guide them through your character with firm but fair boundaries.

As a child, be respectful. So, be able to do your chores; but, to seek out responsibilities for self-reliance. Next, be able to manage your educational duties; but, to read daily for self-teaching. Last, be able to communicate with respect, honesty, and gratitude, to follow family traditions and to respect boundaries (within reason), and to handle family changes & conflicts.

As a teacher, be knowledgeable. So, be able to inspire curiosity by yourself as an example, and to set clear & high expectations. Next, be able to adapt teaching methods to available tools, to manage a classroom effectively, and to support a student's emotional development. Last, be able to assess progress, and to give feedback.

As a student, be curious. So, be able to research and synthesise information from reliable sources, and to think critically. With others, be able to collaborate in projects, to communicate clearly in speaking & writing, and to apply knowledge to real-world problems. Last, be able to manage your time responsibly, and to adapt to new situations with resilience.

Literature: To begin, be able to recite and interpret 10 different poems, as well as to compose your own. Next, be able to read aloud a ~1000 word story lively, to read a ~10,000 word story straight through, and to create your own story. Last, be able to participate in a dramatic work, and to tell a joke (and take a joke).


Peace & Society
Historian, Political Leader,
Judge,
Spiritual Leader, Philosopher

Local History: Local to your settlement and country, be able to name, describe, and date key historical events, periods, figures, and sites. Next, be able to outline economic & industrial changes over time. Last, be able to explain the origins and evolution of local traditions, as well as key demographic shifts, in your community.

Global History: First, be able to name, describe, and date key global periods in politics, culture, and technology (including their causes, events, and consequences). Next, be able to evaluate historical sources for reliability, and to compare differing global narratives and ideologies. Last, be able to apply this knowledge to current issues and predict future trends.

Politics: Foundationally, be able to describe universal civic rights & duties. Next, Be able to outline local & global political systems, bodies, and policies. Crucially, be able to analyse news, movements, and policies both critically & contextually. Finally, be able to engage in political philosophy and (by this) be able to support or engage in effective political activism.

Law: First, be able to outline the local legal system (norms & rules, enforcers, adjudicators). Next, be able to analyse & interpret contract terms, especially employment laws regarding wages & safety. Finally, be able to identify procedures in civil & criminal cases for effective legal navigation, and to recognize when to seek legal assistance.

Religion: Crucially, be able to outline major world religions (their beliefs, practices, and global impact). Then be able to respectfully converse with people from diverse religious backgrounds, and be able to contemplate upon religious teachings’ ethical & philosophical questions. Last, be able to reflect on your personal beliefs (never forgetting you’re fallible).

Philosophy: Be able to charitably summarise worldviews of others by active listening in conversations and reading primary sources. Next, be able to think critically by identifying biases and fallacies, especially in oneself. Last, be able to apply major ethical frameworks to moral issues while staying conscious of and concerned with everyone involved.

Time & Stress Management: For time, be able to prioritise & delegate tasks, to make & stick to a daily schedule, to set consistently met deadlines, and to minimise distractions. For stress, be able to identify personal stressors and manage your responses, to practise relaxation techniques, and to seek professional help when needed (controlling diet, sleep, and exercise first).