On: As a software engineer, what's the best skill to h...

[gaius]

Morse code. Trinary logic. Radio propagation. How to construct an efficient thermocouple from random junk.

[dTal → gaius]

Ouch. Found the doomsday prepper.

[mindcrime → dTal]

I think that list would be more like:

1. How to start a fire with flint and steel, or other technique without matches

2. How to purify water by boiling, iodine, distilling, etc.

3. How to build a shelter using a pocket-knife, some string, and an old tarp.

4. How to trap, kill, skin, dress, and cook wild animals

5. How to catch fish with a homemade hook, or with a spear

5.5 How to make a spear

6. etc.

And actually, when you think about it, all of those are things that very well could be valuable.

[biztos → mindcrime]

off-topic and half-joking but...

1. How to predict whether your neighbor will help you or try to kill you.

2. What to say to the Authorities when they find your prepper camp.

3. How to raise chickens in secret.

4. How to fully comply with all orders until you can make it to the border.