What are do you consider generally the most valuable disciplines that you can feasibly teach yourself without extensive classes or training? (i.e. no medicine, law, experimental science, engineering, business management, etc…)
I mean things like economics, advanced calculus/physics, computer programming, chinese, mechanic skills, accounting, self defense, survival skills, salesmenship, etc…
What kind of economics are you talking about? I think it would be hard for a layperson to be well-read in financial economics since it requires that you are familiar with calculus, advanced statistics, linear algebra, etc.
personal wealth management /saving and investing.
For self-defense, I’d advocate Krav Maga, but you have to be careful- the “Commando Krav Maga” is related in name only- useful however if you have to deal with the US legal code… in that form it is superior, and slightly more conforming to the NAP..
Math always helps, but unless you plan to be in engineering/higher level physics, you really don’t need calculus from my experience, unless you want the MR curve from the TR curve in the standard Macro-classes…
Salesmenship is truly, or so I’ve been told, is what goes into resumes and getting job (no experience, maybe someone who’s seen 2 decades or more could verify, seeing as I haven’t seen 2 decades yet)
Basic mechanics will save you time/money, to a degree, I know its saved me- didn’t have to wait on maintence here at school,
A few areas that are helpful/important imo:
-first aid, you dont need to go to medical school to know how to stop bleeding, treat a sprained ankle, put a temporary splint on a broken limb etc.
-cooking: Not only is it fun and tasty, but it can be healther and save you money compared to eating out all the time.
-Basic philosophy/logic: You dont have to go too deep into it, but you should at least be able to construct a basic argument, and to recognize(and avoid) common fallacies. Also I think everybody should have at least a general knowldge of how to approach the subject of ethics(again you dont have to go too deep into it).
-at least a general knowldge of how to use spreadsheet and word processing software, amazingly some people dont know this…
-Literture: Not only can great writngs influence the way you think, but ‘The Classics’ have had an enormous influence on our modern pop culture, more than most people realze. If you must use Cliff Notes or some other reference source, do so ALONG SIDE, rather than IN PLACE OF the actual writings.
-History: I think true that those who dont know history are doomed to repeat it.
-Science, not necessarly advanced, high level stuff, but at least a general knowldge of the more important concepts in physics or biology(for example). As well as an understanding of exactly how the scientific method works.
-If you are religious, you should know your religin, at least to the point that you can articulate exactly what you believe and exactly why you believe it. You should be familar not only with your religions sacred text(s), but also the writings/teachings of major figures from within your religion. If you a Christian you should know the Bible and the Apochrpha, as well as be familar with the writings of figures from Augistine and Justim Maryter, to more recent figures like C. S. Lewis and N. T. Wright.
Also no matter what you believe, you should at least have a general familarity with the major world religions, their beleifs, practices, differences (broadly speaking) between sects of said religion, etc. In particular if you live in the ‘Western World’ you should know the Bible as well as the major tenets and general history of the Christian faith.
Thats enough for now…I know it probably sounds like a lot, but most of those you dont have to go too deep into. Its really not the least bit unrealistic if you just put your mind to it…
(i.e. no medicine, law, experimental science, engineering, business management, etc…)
By thinking about economics, specifically how to deal with negative externalities, you quickly end up understanding law. Unless you meant knowing the rule books that constitute for “law” nowadays.
To answer your question, I think some survivalist preparedness can help. Buy some long term storage food, a water maker, …
You don’t need extensive training for any discipline unless you extensively define it.