Specialization is for insects.

A little while ago I came across this quote by the science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein:

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.  Specialization is for insects.

Is that great or what? I couldn't agree more. In our modern age, jobs have become so specialized that many people only ever become really good at one or two things. Furthermore, the proliferation of convenience products on store shelves enable us to get along without any sort of proficiency in even basic skills, like cooking or scrubbing a floor. But human existence can and should entail so much more than a narrow life of going to work, coming home and popping some food into the microwave. We are all capable of so much more.

Part of my reason for wanting to achieve "the simple life" is my desire to learn many new skills. Not only for their useful purpose, but for the sheer fun of it. A few of the skills I want to learn in 2010: sewing clothing, knitting a hat, canning tomatoes and homemade jam, growing potatoes, making sourdough bread, growing bean sprouts, and drying herbs. 

I'd love it if some of my readers would share what new skills they are planning to learn this year! :)

Comments

[Laura @livingourway.com]

I am determined that I am going ton conquer home canning this year.

[Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead]

Such a fantastic quote! I might have to steal it :)

Things I will conquer this year...canning more, finally getting a majority of our veggies from our home garden, learning aquaponics (yikes!) and finally getting more order into our place. We just have too much stuff that is EVERYWHERE -- especially in our barn.

[Laura Jeanne]

You and me both! What are you going to try first? I'm thinking strawberry jam might be a good first step.

[Laura Jeanne]

Thanks for stopping by Tiffany! Sounds like you'll be busy this year. Order and organization are always an ongoing challenge, aren't they? That's something else I'm trying to do right now as a part of spring cleaning--get myself organized. Not a small task!

[Nikki Moore]

aah...your goals sound just like mine! I am a new wife and homemaker, so I've hit the ground running with new things to try. I am going for my first garden this spring...just a bunch of containers on our little apartment patio. Herbs especially will be wonderful...and you will have to share what you learn about preserving them.

Also, I want to learn to make a good loaf of bread. I've learned things like making yogurt, natural cleaning, natural personal care, etc. There is so much to learn!

[Laura Jeanne]

Hi Nikki! I'm sure you'll love growing herbs on your patio--I've been doing that for a few years, and it's just wonderful to be able to step outside and snip off some fresh herbs to add to whatever's cooking. I will definitely share what I learn about preserving them--I try to share everything I'm doing here, including mistakes! :)

I agree that there is SO much to learn. Isn't it great? Life never has to be boring. :)

[Dawn]

That quote is awesome!
I am GOING TO MASTER THE DILL PICKLE this summer! I have mustard pickles down but the dill has been elusive!
There is just too much to learn to specialize!

[Laura Jeanne]

Good luck with your pickles! I am going to stick to jam this year, but I would love to try pickles in the future. My children certainly eat enough of them--I should probably learn to make my own, or buy stock in Bick's. :)