Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#1

Post by leephillips » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 1:36 AM UTC

I have in mind not things that take years to master and that you develop over a lifetime, like programming or playing the piano. But there are some practical skills that can be learned in a couple of hours and refreshed with an hour of practice every month or so, but that have a disproportionate return on investment.

Two examples of skills that I regularly find useful are classical lockpicking and knowing how to tie a variety of knots. The first has gotten me and friends out of jams when someone lost a key and got locked out, etc.; and if you don’t know knots you will never be able to tie a load tightly to the roof of your car.

What skills do you recommend that I add to my repertoire?

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#2

Post by smackeyacky » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 1:52 AM UTC

Learn mechanical sympathy.

That is, how much to tighten bolts without breaking stuff, knowing which tools are for what.

This can be learned by working on fragile things like bicycles, but it will help with everything from changing out a waterpump in a car or a dishwasher, to plumbing and electrical work.

Its something that does take more time than a few hours, but being inquisitive about mechanical things is helped by knowing how much force is appropriate when repairing them.

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#3

Post by leephillips » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 1:54 AM UTC

smackeyacky wrote: post #2

Learn mechanical sympathy. That is, how much to tighten bolts without breaking stuff, knowing which tools are for what. This can be learned by working on fragile things like bicycles, but it will help with everything from changing out a waterpump in a car or a dishwasher, to plumbing and electrical work. Its something that does take more time than a few hours, but being inquisitive about mechanical things is helped b…

Good one. I think this was the only thing I took away from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#4

Post by thesuperbigfrog » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 1:56 AM UTC

Several practical life skills to learn / try out:

Cooking

Fishing

Camping

Marksmenship: archery or firearms

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#5

Post by leephillips » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:09 AM UTC

thesuperbigfrog wrote: post #4

Several practical life skills to learn / try out: Cooking Fishing Camping Marksmenship: archery or firearms

With marksmanship I feel there is a mysterious talent factor at work. I could drive nails with a pistol after very little practice, but have never been able to hit anything with a bow. My daughter, however, was hitting bullseyes with a bow and arrow in no time.

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#6

Post by byoung2 » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:09 AM UTC

Learn how to back up a trailer. Comes in handy at the boat ramp or at hardware stores.

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#7

Post by ggm » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:13 AM UTC

Cooking. Embrace cucina povera as well as rich foods, you need both at different times.

Exercise more. Be agile in the original sense.

Learn to listen. Learn how not to interrupt and when to interrupt.

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#8

Post by jschveibinz » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:20 AM UTC

Not in any order of importance:

1. Basic mechanical drawing and perspective drawing 2. Jogging a mile without stopping 3. Using abdominal muscles when lifting heavy things 4. Stomach breathing 5. Waking a half hour early to journal, meditate, take a walk, enjoy the morning, etc. 6. Being mindful of the moment 7. Basic kinematics 8. Basic electrical concepts and skills 9. Basic plumbing skills 10. Basic photography and composition 11. How to graciously receive a gift 12. How to start a conversation with a stranger

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#9

Post by leephillips » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:27 AM UTC

A few more:

Soldering, using a multimeter, basic electrical repair;

Basic first aid;

Solvents;

Sailing small boats;

Basic cocktails (make a good martini or margarita from scratch);

Re: Ask HN: What practical skills do you recommend?

#10

Post by moneywoes » Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 2:42 AM UTC

Safe driving, driving is the leading cause of death for those under 55 I believe. Furthermore, I think a severe injury would be worse then death.