Community Stories

Things that people don’t know how to do anymore

DaveK
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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
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- Reading cursive writing.
- Reading time on an analog display clock.
 
wagudc
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Drive a car with a manual transmission.

Do simple arithmetic without a calculator.

EDIT: Late entry, address an envelope.
 
Zman4eva
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Writing a check comes to mind. I can't remember the last time I had to write one.
 
Dal Cais
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154
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.
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read a real map; change the oil in a car

identify propaganda 😁
 
gbesq
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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.
 
Dan S
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X350 XJR 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But it's particularly sad to think that the next generation will not be able to read historical documents firsthand.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.
 
MRC
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Dan S 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But it's particularly sad to think that the next generation will not be able to read historical documents firsthand.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Here is part of a historical document written in English.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....
front.jpg
 
Larry S
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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
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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
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266
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.
 
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