This guest post is by John Wesley Smith of DestinySurvival.com. He also hosts DestinySurvival Radio on the Preparedness Radio Network.
A couple mornings ago, as my daughter left the house, she said she’d be back around 11:45. I replied, “How about being back by a quarter till twelve.”
She said that would work, too.
In turn, I said it all depends on which side you’re looking at the clock. She laughed.
Of course, to understand my attempt at humor, you have to envision a clock with hands. Fewer of us have those any more. Everything has a digital readout. Eleven forty-five is simply 11:45.
At a fellowship after church the other night, I noticed my wife was wearing a wristwatch. I wear one all the time. But how old fashioned! So many tell time by their cell phones today.
This is one small example of how dependent on technology we’ve become. Maybe someone from a few centuries ago would have said watches were modern technology compared to the humble sundial.
Incidentally, in case you’re curious, the science of sundials is rather complex. That is, if you’re going to have one that’s accurate.
But my overall point is simply this. Our dependence on technology for something as commonplace as telling time is a symptom of our dependence on so many devices today.
This is one reason Doctor Prepper wrote Making the Best of Basics Times may change, but the basics don’t. We’re far removed from generations past. Their skill level depended far more on their own resourcefulness.
They were closer to the land and the rhythms of nature. They were more closely connected with the things that made everyday life what it was, including the food they ate.
You may be aware that Doctor Prepper’s book is available in digital form. There’s nothing wrong with having it in that format. Get a copy to read on your computer and ride the technology horse as long as you can.
But don’t forget about the print edition. Should technology fail one day, it will still be there for you when you need it.
If I said now’s the time to get your copy of Making the Best of Basics, would you look at your wristwatch or cell phone?
Great post! I was wondering after as I read this if there are even very many people left in this techno-dependent age that know what a slide rule is, what an abacus is, or for that matter even what an old-fashioned (paper and pen style) address book is and how to use it. How quickly could loved ones get in touch with each other if modern technology suddenly failed even if only for a few days? Would they know how to navigate from one place to another if common landmarks suddenly disappeared (as in an earthquake or tornado) and their GPS stopped working?
If you (John) told me it that now’s the time to get my copy of Making the Best of Basics I would at least click your link and check it out because I like and trust you and respect your opinion. No wristwatch or cell phone necessary!
Thanks for the kind words.
It’s amazing to see how technology has changed from one generation to the next. It’s disheartening to see how dependent on it we’ve become because it seems our brains have gone to sleep.
Never in a million years would I have thought about not being able to rely on landmarks for navigation (see admin post). Should I be stranded in the nearest town at the grocery store (20 miles), I have comfortable shoes, water, a few granola bars, etc. and feel I could walk the 20 miles, but realize that without a map and a compass, and I don’t know what else, I’d have to walk extra miles and utilize the main highway instead of taking the backroads that all seem to look alike except for certain houses, signs, etc.
I’ll make adding this book to my library a priority. Thank you.
Pardon my ramblings, but………………
It’s for sure, if technology fails, you best have what you want and need in paper format.
If all your files are electronically stored, and there is a grid failure, you are stuck–even if you utilize a back up drive or one of those digital back-up companies.
And, I also worry about the writing and math skills of our technology dependent children. Although, I guess they are learning a new language….texting.
John…
Nice topic and I very much agree with you!
Being more tactile than techno-savvy, I like the ‘turn-the-pages-dog-ear-the-corner’ type of books myself!
But admittedly, I am personally even too dependent upon technology myself…and am working hard to get away from that dependency.
Great article!
Keep up the good work my friend!
In this same line of thought, Chapter 6 of Making the Best of Basics has well thought out charts and worksheets for setting up your own family preparedness notebook for keeping important records. The digital version allows you to print out what you need. Otherwise you can copy pages from the print edition.
You make some good points.
Thanks for the kind words.
The other day I heard a discussion program on our local NPR station featuring faculty from the University of Missouri journalism school. One panelist is an expert in digital and social media and noted that e-books are outselling print books on Amazon. Still, she, too, said she prefers a print book you can hold in your hands.
How true! Everyday I keep thinking that one day the technology that we can’t live without will become useless pieces of junk when things come crashing down. Thanks for the thoughts and the wake up notice.