Over 5.45 billion people (67.1%) of the world’s population rely on the internet for most of their daily activities. This means that 2.67 billion people are still not connected to the internet. Due to this overreliance, many of the essential survival skills that our great-grandparents relied on have been forgotten.
These skills were vital for daily life and survival in a world without modern conveniences. Here are 13 survival skills that were once common knowledge but have faded from mainstream society.
Growing and Preserving Food
Our great-grandparents grew their food and preserved it for the harsh winters. They didn’t rely on supermarkets stocked with fresh produce year-round.
Instead, they practiced gardening, canning, and preserving techniques that ensured their families had food even during the off-season. Skills like canning, pickling, and drying food allowed them to maintain a well-stocked food.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
Before fast fashion and disposable clothing, people had to make their clothes last. Sewing and mending were everyday skills.
These techniques saved money and resources, from patching up worn-out jeans to darning socks. In the early 1900s, most households had a sewing machine, and nearly 95% of women knew how to sew.
Hunting and Fishing for Sustenance
Hunting and fishing were not hobbies but necessities for our great-grandparents. These skills provided vital protein sources that supplemented their diets.
They knew how to track animals, set traps, and fish with minimal gear. In the early 20th century, nearly half of all American households hunted or fished regularly. However, Data from Delta Waterfowl indicate that only 6% of American fish are today.
Making Herbal Remedies
Before modern medicine, people relied on nature for healing. Our great-grandparents had extensive knowledge of herbal remedies, knowing which plants to use for common ailments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicines for some of their primary health care in low—and middle-income countries. Western cultures have primarily lost this knowledge, but the growing interest in natural health revives these practices.
Building Fires Without Modern Tools
Building a fire without matches or lighters is a skill that has been largely forgotten. Our ancestors knew how to start a fire using flint and steel, a bow drill, or friction methods like rubbing sticks together. This skill was essential for warmth, cooking, and protection.
Navigating Using Natural Landmarks
Before GPS and smartphones, people relied on natural landmarks to find their way. Great-grandparents could travel using the sun, stars, and the environment around them for direction.
Today, studies by United Tires show that 93% of people depend on GPS, and many struggle with basic map-reading skills. Relearning natural navigation can be invaluable when technology fails.
Making and Repairing Tools
Our ancestors made and repaired tools essential for daily life. In the 19th century, most households had a basic toolkit and the knowledge to use it. Today, the average person is more likely to replace a broken item than fix it.
Bartering and Trading Goods
Bartering and trading were standard practices. Great-grandparents exchanged goods and services to meet their needs without cash.
Bartering was essential during the Great Depression due to the lack of money, the need for food and services, and the high unemployment rates.
Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency
Homesteading wasn’t a trend; it was a way of life. Our great-grandparents were self-sufficient, growing their food, raising livestock, and building their homes. They practiced a sustainable lifestyle long before it became fashionable.
Basic First Aid and Emergency Care
In areas where medical care wasn’t always accessible, people relied on basic first aid skills to handle emergencies. Knowing how to set a broken bone, treat a burn, or stop a bleed was essential. During World War II, first aid training became widespread. Today, only about 75% of Americans have basic first-aid training.
Cooking from Scratch
Cooking from scratch has become a lost art due to processed foods. Great-grandparents knew how to bake bread, churn butter, and prepare meals using simple, whole ingredients. In the early 1900s, nearly every household cooked from scratch, but fewer meals are made at home today.
Finding and Purifying Water
Access to clean water was not always guaranteed. Our great-grandparents knew how to find and purify water from natural sources. They used methods like boiling, filtering cloth, and natural materials like sand and charcoal. The UN World Water Development Report in 2023 stated that 26% of the world’s population, or 2 billion people, lacked access to safe drinking water.
Making Clothing and Blankets
Crafting clothing and blankets from raw materials was a necessary skill for survival. Our grandparents knew how to spin wool, weave fabric, and create durable garments.
In the 1800s, nearly every household had a spinning wheel or loom. Today’s average person buys over 60 clothing items annually, contributing to a disposable culture.
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