Two thoughts on this meme - self-reliance is necessary, and self-reliance is not sufficient, because if capitalism destroys the climate your homestead goes with it.

    • JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works
      192·
      9 months ago

      I definitely enjoy learning to fix electronics and appliances things on my own, and I enjoy designing and 3d printing helpful parts. But I have no urge to learn how to grow my own food or make a house or furniture etc. I don’t see a feasible situation where that would be helpful.

        • JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works
          83·
          9 months ago

          International shipping is absolutely fantastic. I’m not going to manufature electronics or injection mold stuff. I’m fine with middle men if they actually add value, like shipping and economies of scale do. I’d rather fix shipping rather than deindustrialize and revert 100 years.

          I didn’t really miss anything over covid, I don’t usually buy much other than food, and that was still available. I luckily got my computer before the shortages, so wasn’t effected there, but it’s not like I could have manufactured my own.

            • JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works
              72·
              9 months ago

              If it’s not a monopoly, we (in aggregate) do have control over them, since they still need our money to operate. But that is one reason why monopolies need to be crushed or heavy regulated, so that they can’t have life and death control like you are mentioning.

            • JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works
              51·
              9 months ago

              I think it’s net negative because of the amount of time and money you’d need to invest for a very low probability event. It’s like the preper mindset. I can add a lot of positive specializing in my field that I wouldn’t be able to if I also trained myself in society collapse self sufficiency.

      • thesprongler@lemmy.world
        3·
        9 months ago

        I have the desire but but the ability to grow my own food right now, so I’ve subscribed to a CSA in the meantime. A few hundred dollars upfront that stays in my community, and I’ve got an entire season of fresh produce when it’s at its ripest.