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1-Page Summary of The Knowledge

Overview

There are so many potential apocalyptic events that could destroy civilization. They include an epidemic, a meteor strike, or even nuclear war. Any of these could happen at any time and ruin everything we know.

So, what would you do if you were in such a situation? You’d probably want to know some basic survival techniques. What if all of civilization’s technology was destroyed? How would you find food, treat medical issues and stay warm?

In this article, you will learn how to treat water so that it won’t make you sick. You will also learn how to start a fire without matches or a lighter. Lastly, you will find out which drink cures cholera.

Big Idea #1: In the event of a catastrophe, your priorities are shelter, warmth and water.

What would you do if a cataclysmic event occurred? If such an event were to occur, it’s important that you use your time wisely in order for society to rebuild and flourish.

First of all, you’ll need a place to live. After a catastrophe, there will be lots of empty houses for you to choose from. However, keeping yourself warm is another story because without electricity heaters won’t work. One option that’s readily available is clothing because most small shops and boutiques were destroyed but goods in large shopping centers are buried inside the mall’s interior. Therefore, malls make good places to find clothes that will last you several years.

Big Idea #2: Staying well fed will mean scavenging, consuming wisely and starting your own farm.

You have a shelter, you’re warm and you’ve stored water. Next up is food. The good news is that an intact supermarket has enough nutrition to sustain you for anywhere from 55 to 63 years!

So, you should try to get as much food as you can from supermarkets. The question is how long will the food last before it goes bad?

Remember that food is not good for a long time. Milk spoils quickly, while fruits and vegetables last for about three weeks. But eggs are good for over a month, and grains can be stored in cool, dry places for up to ten years.

The goal is for this food to last until you can produce your own. So, while scavenging, look out for seeds in backyards or on farms. Eventually you’ll need them to start a garden.

Big Idea #3: A successful farm requires hard work and attention.

So, good soil is important for growing healthy plants. However, it doesn’t automatically grow the food you need to survive. In fact, growing healthy plants requires a lot of hard work. How so? Well, you have to break up compacted soil and control weeds that choke your crops if left unattended. Finally, prepare the topsoil for planting seeds by breaking up any clumps in the dirt and getting rid of any rocks or other debris that might damage them when they’re planted.

The Knowledge Book Summary, by Lewis Dartnell