This post is my attempt to respond to one of the topics shared in this week's Weekend Experiences community. While I typically refrain from posting on weekends, I find myself with some free time today, so why not seize the opportunity?
Among the four suggested topics, I've opted for the last one:
In an apocalyptic world in which society as we know it has completely broken down, (no power, running water, government, law, fuel etcetera) what would you say the three most important skills or things to have would be and why? Remember to use your own photos.
I'm not sure exactly what an apocalyptic world would look like, but the closest thing I can imagine is a scene from the Bible in Ezekiel 37, where he's standing in a valley full of dry bones.
However, if such a world were to materialize, I believe it would be in anarchy and I don't want to be stranded in such chaos. Instead, I would seek refuge in the safety of my homeland, Sarawak, known as The Land of the Hornbill. Here, nestled in the heart of the Borneo rainforest, I could live among my tribe, finding security and comfort among the lush greenery and familiar surroundings.
I mean, that's how our people lived about 150 years ago - without government, electricity, running water, fuel, or other modern conveniences. How different would it be if the world plunged into an apocalyptic state? Without government and law, we might revert to our old way of life and resort to practices like headhunting to defend ourselves from enemies. And as for food, where would we find it? There's an abundance of food in the jungle and rivers, and we can plant paddy like we used to.
Of course, to live in such a world we need some important skills to survive.
1) Survival Skills and Knowledge
I believe this skill tops the list because survival would be nearly impossible without it. We require knowledge and expertise to locate a clean water source and purify it. I don't think this is a problem since we experience frequent rainfall, and the rainforest boasts numerous river networks. Furthermore, we must possess the skills to forage for food, start fires, and build shelters - all without relying on modern technology. Our tribe excels in these practices because we are accustomed to constructing our longhouses using wood from the forest. Additionally, knowledge of first aid and basic medical skills can be life-saving in emergencies.
2) Self-Sufficiency and Resourcefulness
We also must be resourceful and capable of repurposing items for multiple uses. Without factories to produce goods or shops to buy them from, it's crucial to recycle whatever resources we already have on hand. We need to learn how to create basic tools and use them for farming or hunting to produce food. Resourcefulness goes beyond just physical items; it involves problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to different situations as they change.
3) Community and Interpersonal Skills
In a world without government or law, it's essential to possess the knowledge and skills to maintain order. This requires a collective effort crucial for long-term survival. Building alliances between different tribes is important to provide security and establish trust. Working together to share knowledge and labor resources is also vital. Additionally, having interpersonal skills like conflict resolution and communication helps ease tensions and strengthen unity within the community.
These are three of the most important skills we'd need in an apocalyptic world. As I mentioned, if the world were to reach such a state, I would strive to return to my homeland, where my family and I could have a better chance of survival among my tribe in the Borneo rainforest. These skills aren't only relevant to us but also to those living in various environments, such as urban areas.
That's it for now. If you read this far, thank you. I appreciate it so much! Kindly give me a follow if you like my content. I mostly write about making art, life musing, and our mundane yet charming family life here in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Note: All images used belong to me unless stated otherwise.
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