As much as academic scholars are held in high esteem for their higher education, so should those who have learned and applied valuable knowledge simply just by living.
Those with street cred have just as much of an advantage at succeeding in life, thanks to specific experiences that can't be taught in a classroom.
Curious to hear examples of what those might entail, Redditor WiSe_genX asked:
"What can you learn in 1 minute that will be useful for the rest of your life?"
Class is now in session.
A diploma isn't a requirement for being able to apply these life-saving facts.
A List
"Maybe not useful 'the rest' but very much so when it is"
"How to spot a drowning victim"
"Edit:"
"The basic warning signs of skin cancer"
– BirdsLikeSka
Worth A Try
"CPR: Lay person flat on their back on a hard surface, place your hands one on top of the other with arms straight, compress chest down to hell to the beat of 'Stayin Alive,' don't be afraid to crack ribs."
"Edit: Oh, and remember that if someone needs CPR, they're dead. You are working on a corpse. If they don't survive, it's because most people can't wake the dead with their bare hands. Talk to someone if you have to, but don't beat yourself up over it."
– mossadspydolphin
Take The Side Exit
"If you're caught in a riptide, swim parallel to the shore to escape it."
– trowaway7342
It's Easy To Lose Sight Over This
"Always wear some type of eye protection when dealing with anything that can cause eye damage. From connecting battery jumper cables to yardwork and everything in between."
"Protect your eyes. You only have two of them."
"Always unplug/remove the battery from your power tools before performing any kind of maintenance."
– wishIhadlistened
Save Yourself
"How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljL9JcK6RnM"
– Brainjacker
Eyeing The Storm
"If you see a tornado moving that's a good thing, because it means it isn't coming directly towards you. If it isn't moving, it's a 50/50 chance it is going towards you or away from you."
"I don't think I'd ever need to know this but who knows when a tornado's gonna find you."
– I_N_C_O_M_I_N_G
The kitchen can be a danger zone unless you're armed with these very simple bits of wisdom.
Damaged Goods
"A wet oven mitt is worse than useless."
– Robobvious
Get A Grip
"A falling knife has no handle. Can be very useful in preventing kitchen emergencies."
– theiciestb*tch
Fighting Fire
"Learn how to operate a fire extinguisher. Many people don't bother but so many lives are saved and so many fires are stopped by them. It takes a minute and can save your life, as mine was saved when my mother put out a house fire with one. Also always keep some in your house and make sure you know where they're located."
– liyexa7217
Let It Fall
"Also hot things. I pull out some weighty dishes out of our 550°C furnace at work and every time before I pull them out I repeat over and over in my head 'Don't catch it if it falls. Don't catch it if it falls.' I also usually put my free hand in my back pocket or behind my back."
– 1800generalkenobi
It doesn't take long to listen and apply these helpful instructions.
First, We Assess
"Pause and think before you respond."
– sparkj
Don't Be Impulsive
"Don’t put it down, put it away."
– Wishyouamerry
Make It Easier To Get Assistance
"How to properly as ask for tech support - 'Hi, this is [name]. I have a problem with [software/hardware name (to the best of your knowledge)]. I'm trying to [thing you're trying to do] and the result is [result] instead of [expected]. It started at [rough time frame] after [something significant you've done beforehand].'"
"How to do it badly: 'My keyboard doesn't work.'"
"How to do it better: 'Hi, I'm Noy. I have a problem with my laptop's keyboard. The L key no longer functions. It started yesterday after I spilled coffee on it.'"
"Your IT department thanks you."
– Noy2222
Drying Off
"Shower squeegee. When you turn the water off, take your hands and wipe the water from your legs, your arms, your chest, your butt then do it again. THEN reach out or get out and use the towel. It'll be less wet by a lot and dry a lot faster."
– _ImNoJedi_
It's Okay To Say Nay
"How to look someone in the eye and tell them 'No.'”
– MeasurementMystery
It's Not About Quitting
"Takes a minute to learn, but a long time to reinforce the mindset: learn when to just drop something. Not every issue will have a solution. Not every idiot can be talked to rationally. Not every person must like you. Sometimes things have to be left untouched. That’s not to say don’t stand up for yourself. Just know that if something isn’t worth your while, don’t waste time and energy on it. We have so little of each anyways."
– irishrelate
There is much value in the lessons shared here that can change your life or those of others.
Now that plenty of helpful information was shared here, the next time you're about to be swallowed by a riptide, swipe left!