The Library of Self-Reliance

By Dennis Lantz

The Library of Self-Reliance is about creating connections and improving communities. Obviously it is about self-reliance, independence and learning new skills. But it is also about sharing information and supporting each other.

Today, in this article, we will look at the psychology behind the LOSR, ponder the first steps and note the reasons for its establishment.

Humans are social animals. We thrive when we are connected to others of like mind, spirit and emotion. We are simple in needs, but complex in desires and abilities. That we can experience the power of love, the depth of joy, the comfort of peace and the life-directing force of purpose makes us unique among species, but we aren’t the only ones worthy of life. All are worthy.

Social norms swing like pendulums and basic ideas come and go in natural cycles. One generation will view the world a particular way… and just a few years later, the next generation will look at it differently. This decade we will focus on interdependence and then we’ll spend the next expounding independence.

At the moment, due to technological systems, we are interconnected and all part of a dependent culture. Many have become reliant upon the State, some corporation or a group to give them direction, stability and security. I happen to believe that we should be responsible for most of these and that the State should have less power than we give it. I believe in liberty… and the State takes far more than it gives. You may disagree with the premise. That is your prerogative.  It doesn’t exclude you from becoming a library member. We can learn from each other.

Thirty years ago, I was wrong. It happens. I was certain we were heading into an era of self-reliance. I collected books about back-to-nature, primitive living skills and old fashioned do-it-yourself living. Society went the other direction. We became dependent on technology, systems (not of our own making) and an increasingly large government. But now I am starting to see a shift toward self-reliance and independent thinking. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

The DIY movement is back, encompassed by television networks and websites like Pinterest. It is being driven by the very ‘lockdowns’ that go against personal liberty. I don’t have a problem with using technology to share information. As a tool, there is nothing better to spread an idea faster.

The Library of Self-Reliance was an idea that developed slowly. It was not a single theory or even just my idea. Obviously there are millions of people in this country who participate in some manner of DIY projects. Billions in the world. But each is regulated by their own culture, beliefs and traditions. The library isn’t meant to be a single, world-wide organization. A more apt description is that it should be a ‘million’ small community groups that are connected only by knowledge and a premise. A town or region can have multiple LOSR groups. Existing communities can incorporate LOSR ideas or even become part of the LOSR network.

The pandemic has actually increased self-reliance or DIY skills in many ways. This year, a large amount of people grew gardens and canned. Supplies became scarce because of this increase. Home projects were attempted and achieved at higher numbers.  

But still, I believe, we are unable to see the big picture. We ascertain small, microcosms of truth. Maybe I see myself making wine. I see you canning. I see my neighbor selling eggs from their chickens. We are a community, but we remain disconnected.

The Library of Self-Reliance is meant to connect us again.

Right now the LOSR is in the brainstorm phase. There are so many skills that I want to learn and a few that I can share.

So the first step is to assess the possibilities.

You should make two lists. The first is all of the DIY skills that you believe you are capable of sharing in some capacity. This is not a ‘primitive skills’ list. Modern skills are just as important.

Your second list will include all the skills you would like to learn. This list is going to grow, so leave some room. There are projects or skills you may not have even heard of yet. But for now, simply write or type those you always wanted to learn, but never took the time.

Gardening, sawmilling, canning, baking, winemaking, tree & plant identification, plumbing, electrical, financial budgeting, website design, editing, dog grooming, crocheting, scrapbooking, hang gliding, bicycle repair, pottery, learning a musical instrument, watercolor painting, solar cell construction, kayaking, water ‘witching’, candlemaking, woodcarving… the possibilities are nearly endless. I have a list with hundreds of skills… and I am certain to have missed hundreds more.

Together we will compile a gigantic compendium of possible skills. We can keep this on hand just to declare the options.

After you have compiled your lists, post them in an area you will see them frequently. Add to them whenever you can.

Eventually we will be able to connect with other people and organize groups. Until that time, brainstorm the possibilities and send them to me on Facebook. As soon as my author’s website is up (it’s being developed now) there will be a place for LOSR news. I will soon start a group Facebook page for the LOSR and, when enough interest occurs, we will create our own website.    

Are you still asking yourself why you should be a part of the Library of Self-Reliance? Just as there are countless skills to teach or learn, there are almost as many good reasons for becoming a library member. Personal improvement, passing on a heritage, earning extra money, deciding on a trade or career, cleaning the environment or instilling a solid foundation for the younger generation are just a few. Oh… and it’s free!

Knowledge for knowledge’s sake is never ill advised.

Much more is coming soon. Thanks for your interest.

Until next time,

Read, Learn, Live


 

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