As I can only get dial up out here in the boonies I lost patience with PM's list but I got the general drift. I like your list BB. Pretty right on. All was going well in this thread 'til LH, Spaw, Donuel, et al started in!! Oh, did I fail to mention Chongo? Cheesh. I thought I'd have to start a new thread just to get back on track but some neophyte guest stepped in (or I should say "over" the mess and brought it back to ground. However Chongo's list was very good. Chongo, you should teach LH how to write.

Among necessary skills and skills that tend to enhance one's life I would add:

1. Swim and float for long periods of time.
2. Identify and use herbs.
3. Play chess beyond knowing the moves.
4. Play poker well enough to win with a degree of regularity.
5. Make a cord or rope from found fibers.
6. Make a bow and arrow.
7. Knap rock
8. Make a fire.
9. Make your own brew and distill the same.
10. Learn sign language (ASL or other).
11. Be a gentle person.
12. Always plan at least two exit strategies from any place or any situation (especially while driving or in Middle Eastern conflicts).
13. Not panic.
14. Write well.
15. Admit when you are wrong and apologize.
16. Spot a conman.
17. Be well versed in firearms and know you limitations.
18. Navigate by any means available.
19. Manage money or at least, balance a checkbook.
20. Kill, skin, clean and butcher an animal. Use that fire you made in 8. and cook the same (survival 101).
21. Fake it.
22. Land an aircraft.
23. Dance.
24. Make love a choice and not just an emotion.
25. Be conversant with nuclear physics. < Just thought I'd throw that last one in there for fun!