Things that people don’t know how to do anymore

[DaveK]

I was at an antique shop yesterday and a younger guy was getting some vintage match books rung up at the sales counter. Before leaving he asked the shop owner to teach him how to light a match. At first I thought , then I thought “well, good for him for asking and for learning some retro tech”. It seems impossible to not know how to use matches, but then again, not really I suppose.

What other parts of everyday life are disappearing? Fax your replies to 555-1234

 

[Dan S]

- Reading cursive writing.
- Reading time on an analog display clock.

 

[dmtowl]

Rotary Phone, how to burn a CD, how to read a map!

 

[hansaboy]

How to be polite in traffic!

 

[wagudc]

Drive a car with a manual transmission.

Do simple arithmetic without a calculator.

EDIT: Late entry, address an envelope.

 

[Zman4eva]

Writing a check comes to mind. I can't remember the last time I had to write one.

 

[Dal Cais]

Use Manors,
Equitte, Let the woman or elderly person first. ( then again probably offend the women in this day and age)
Stand toe to toe with someone and call them, abuse them( wait let's hide behind a keyboard at a safe distance)
Boil an egg, without using Tic Tic
Think for themselves, must use Instagram to know what to do, or how I am feeling

 

[Tony C.]

read a real map; change the oil in a car

identify propaganda

 

[gbesq]

Start a fire without matches or a lighter. Navigate with a compass, a sextant and the stars. Use a travel agent. Balance your checkbook. Make a coin call from a phone booth. Clip coupons. Write a letter.

 

[X350 XJR]

Tie a tie, bow or otherwise.

 

[X350 XJR]

Dan S

Reading cursive writing.

Or writing it for that matter.

 

[Dan S]

X350 XJR

Or writing it for that matter.

Goes without saying.

But it's particularly sad to think that the next generation will not be able to read historical documents firsthand. Apparently it looks like hieroglyphics to them.

 

[BAJJ]

Wind down a car window...

 

[MRC]

Dan S

But it's particularly sad to think that the next generation will not be able to read historical documents firsthand. Apparently it looks like hieroglyphics to them.

Here is part of a historical document written in English. I can't read it....

 

[Fallout Boy]

find this 710-cap in the engine-compartment and fill in correct liquid

 

[Larry S]

I had to explain to my 30 year old son how to write a check and address an envelope. Fortunately I did teach him how to use tools and cook.

 

[JwRosenthal]

Use a card catalog- and the Dewey decimal system.

 

[Fallout Boy]

- (landing sucessful and )walking on the moon

- open this tin can without a saw

 

[JwRosenthal]

I taught my 15 year old nephew to solder- he loved it. We started just tinning wires and moved on to PCB’s, then I showed him how to repaired traces. He actually repaired my brother’s guitar amp that had a bad ground.
Now any time anything electronic breaks at their house my brother tell his son “call uncle James”.

 

[DenisChalandier]

Use a bow, ride horses, swords fighting, use a VHS recorder, use a crank to start a car,...

Most points in this thread just became useless. It's not sad, it's normal.