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[@SensiblePrepper] Building a Survival Library: Recommended Books

· 5 min read
[@SensiblePrepper] Summarizer
Video Bot

@SensiblePrepper - "Building a Survival Library: Recommended Books"

Link: https://youtu.be/Krw3tMsDbTs

Short Summary​

Here's the breakdown of the YouTube video transcript:

Number One Action Item/Takeaway:

Build a physical survival library with novels (for mindset), reference books (for practical skills), and training manuals.

Executive Summary:

The Sensible Prepper emphasizes the critical importance of a well-rounded physical survival library. He advocates for combining novels that cultivate the right mindset with reference books offering practical skills and training manuals for specific situations. Having physical books provides a reliable source of information when electronic resources are unavailable.

Key Quotes​

Okay, here are 5 direct quotes from the YouTube video transcript that I found particularly insightful:

  1. "One thing about reading, it's like dreaming awake if you're reading a good novel." - Captures the immersive and thought-provoking nature of reading, especially regarding survival-related scenarios.

  2. "The first line of defense is getting along with people. That is number one." - Highlights the often overlooked importance of social skills in a survival situation, emphasizing community and cooperation.

  3. "Principles never change. And the nature of man never changes. I mean he this is just human nature and it happens." - Reflects how lessons from historical texts like "Art of War" remain relevant due to unchanging human behaviors in conflict scenarios.

  4. "Money goes down, crime goes up." - A simple but powerful statement emphasizing the predictable correlation between economic hardship and increased lawlessness in a collapse situation.

  5. "Being able to tap in to different people and their thoughts whether it's from the 1940s or 50s or it's something that is very current." - Summarizes the benefit of reading a variety of books, both old and new, to gain a wider range of perspectives and insights.

Detailed Summary​

Okay, here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript in bullet points, focusing on the key topics, arguments, and information shared, excluding advertisements and sponsor mentions:

Key Topic: Importance of Building a Physical Book/Reference Library for Prepping

  • Main Argument: Physical books are crucial for prepping because digital resources (tablets, downloaded information) are unreliable due to potential damage, power loss, and device failure in survival situations.
  • Downtime Advantage: Survival situations often involve significant downtime. Books provide valuable opportunities for learning, knowledge enhancement, mindset improvement, and resource access.
  • Sharing and Knowledge Dissemination: Books can be easily shared, allowing for collective learning and preparedness within a group. The speaker recommends buying multiple copies of impactful books for trusted individuals.

Categories of Books Recommended (with examples):

  • People Skills:

    • Improve communication and interpersonal relations, essential for survival groups and community interaction.
    • Example: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

  • Novels (Post-Apocalyptic/Survival):

    • Help develop the correct mindset and consider potential scenarios.
    • Classics provide timeless lessons and profound stories.
    • Examples:
      • "Alas, Babylon" by Pat Frank (nuclear holocaust survival).
      • "Lucifer's Hammer" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
      • "Earth Abides"
      • "The Parable of the Sower" by Octavia E. Butler.
      • "A Canticle for Leibowitz" by Walter M. Miller Jr.
      • "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand (economic collapse).
      • "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley.
      • "1984"
      • "Animal Farm"
      • "Survivalist series"
      • "Unintended Consequences"
      • "Patriots"
      • "The Survivors"
    • Series to Consider
      • "Going Home" series by A. American (Chris Weatherman).
      • "The End" (The New World series by G. Michael Hopf)
      • "299 Days" by Glenn Tate

  • Medical:

    • Essential for treating injuries and illnesses when professional medical care is unavailable.
    • Examples: "Where There Is No Doctor", "Where There Is No Dentist", survival medical guides.
    • Supplement with medical training to put the book knowledge to practical use.

  • "How-To" Prepping/Survival Guides:

    • Provide practical advice on building bug-out bags, emergency plans, home defense, and acquiring essential supplies.
    • Example: "Prepper's Home Defense", "The Ultimate Bug Out Bag".

  • Self-Defense/War Strategy:

    • Enhance personal safety and security in a post-collapse environment.
    • Examples:
      • "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu (strategy and tactics).
      • "Principles of Self-Defense" by Jeff Cooper.
      • "Four Pillars of Fighting" by James Joerger

  • Manuals (Military/Technical):

    • Offer specific instructions on survival, weaponry maintenance, and other practical skills.
    • Examples: "US Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Survival Guide".

  • Area Intelligence & Community Building:

    • Essential for assessing threats in the area and building resilient mutual assistance groups.
    • Examples: "Area Intelligence Handbook" by Mike Shelby.
    • "Prepper Communications Handbook".
    • "MAGS" by Charlie Hogwood.

  • Practical Prepping & Engineering:

    • Essential for finding more practical information.
    • Examples: "Practical Preppers" by Scott Hunt

Additional Points:

  • Importance of Practical Training: Reading alone is insufficient. Real-world training (medical, firearms, bushcraft) is essential to develop competency and skill. Training classes offer direct feedback and correction.
  • Value of Learning from Others' Experiences: Novels and reference materials can provide valuable insights into potential challenges and solutions.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Carefully evaluate books and reviews to ensure they align with your values and provide accurate information.
  • Prepper Groups: Connecting with like-minded individuals and building a prepper group is highly beneficial.
  • LDS/Mormon Preparedness Manuals: These manuals are helpful as the Mormons have been prepping for years. The speaker mentions visiting a Mormon Cannery.
  • Consider including automatics and wind up watches as time is very important during disaster.