The Knowledge: Quick Reference
Guest post by Dave Zeiger
In the broad sense, The Knowledge is a compendium of information useful to post-cataclysmic persons and societies. The near-term object is to help survive and thrive in collapsed conditions, while the greater goal is renaissance.
Concise summations of a wide range of disciplines and skills rendered in durable medium – able to resist rough handling or exposure to the elements – will increase the chances of success.
Fortunately, much thought and effort has already gone into this kind of summary for students, professionals and hobbyists. Together, they comprise a goldmine of supplemental information to that presented in The Knowledge.
Such fundamentals as the scientific method, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and select mathematics. Technologies such as accounting, electronics, mechanics. Skills such as first aid, weather forecasting, sailing and navigation. Identification guides for wild edibles, birds and animals, and survival techniques.
These are already available, though may take some looking. Together, they comprise a gold mine of information supplemental to that presented in The Knowledge.
As a next step forward, we might begin to collect and share what exists, rate it by level and modify as necessary for survivors. We might organize pages to fill current gaps, drawing on our own and expert experience. Each is an art in itself, and synopsis is another. Collaboration encouraged!
Blacksmithing, tinsmithing, stone masonry, carpentry… the list of possibles goes on.
The three ring binder format is not only widely established but it allows tailoring to one’s individual interests and needs. It is extensible as new information becomes available. It can organize one’s own notes and sheets. It can be short-listed in time of flight. The binders themselves are available in a number of rugged designs.
Some currently available materials and services:
- QuickStudy Guides (Collection; laminated)
- QuickStudy Design Specs (Assisted and DIY publication of our materials in QuickStudy format)
- Davis Instruments Quick References (Nautical… scroll down to view similar items; heavy plastic)
- Cheat Sheets (Collection and DIY)
- Permachart (Collection)
Search terms include quick study, quick reference, cheat sheet, study guide, infographic, etc. + topic