Had someone contact me because a browser interface was ‘down’ and it was actually a cert issue. It surprised me that in an IT context, this person didn’t have a basic understanding of SSL certs. They didn’t even know how to add a cert exception.
It got me thinking, what basic ubiquitous things am I a dumbass about outside of IT?
Ive seen lots of ‘fun facts’ compilations, but it would be better to get a wide range of subject suggestions that I can spend 30 minutes each or less on, and become a more capable human.
Like what subjects would plumbers consider basic knowledge? Chemical interactions between cleaning products and PVC pipes?
What would an accountant or a landscaper consider to be so basic its shocking people can live their lives without knowing any of it?
For most areas of expertise, its difficult to know even what the basics are to start with.
A lot of the IT guys I know have little to no knowledge of mechanical stuff. Learn to fix your car
My car is electric. The repairs I’ve done to it have required almost zero car-fixing-skills.
I don’t have a car
Lawnmower, whatever. Learn how to fix a tap / toilet / anything a round the house.
Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook.
It will tell you how to iron your clothes, pick table linens, care for paintings, deal with water damage after a natural disaster, pick between a laser and inkjet printer, fix a cartridge faucet, and install a dimmer switch.
The Army should issue it to new recruits.
This is definitely a weak spot of mine although at this point it is somewhat willful. I can do some very basics like swap filters or change a tire but I’ve never found a need to grow beyond that considering my vehicle is reliable and regular maintenance like oil changes are so cheap and accessible.
I don’t trust the minimum wage oil change folks with my $40k vehicle. I would trust a mechanic but it’s cheaper and easier to DIY and I trust myself to do it correctly.
Learning to blacksmith is fun as well