Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

10.22.2007
What Is A Survivalist?
By Chris Aloia

http://afterarmageddon.blogspot.com/...rvivalist.html

There is always one in every family. The one that gets pointed out as weird or crazy or paranoid during family gatherings. I am the one in my family. I am always trying to remind family members to buy extra food or even a first-aid kit. Essentials that most modern people don't think they need. In this essay I seek to give some clarification to the survivalist archetype.

I think survivalists are a number of things, historians, craftsmen, scholars, creators and outdoorsmen. They have a number of "hobbies" which revolve around one essential point. To survive through circumstances that come with living on a planet with nature's unpredictable forces. We know through out history that nature's forces have determined whether or not civilizations have thrived or perished. The antithesis for a survivalist is to perish. To perish means: to ruin, to deteriorate, to be wiped out or die an untimely death. So to start a survivalist is one who doesn't want to perish. He is a fighter but also an adapter who seeks harmony through being prepared. A survivalist wants to chose the time of his dying, Not be a victim to the harsh changes of the world..............

http://afterarmageddon.blogspot.com/...rvivalist.html

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

"Survivalist" is a pejorative term for one who is prepared for the breakdown of social order that is long overdue. See also "hoarder" "goldbug", etc. I propose "preparationist".

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

Nice article.

I'm sticking with "survivalist." Partially it's out of a warm, fuzzy nostalgia for a word I've identified with for the majority of my life and partially it's because I don't think it matters what we call ourselves. Those who don't share our lifestyle will always think we're weird and scary, and that stereotype will attach itself to any word we use to describe ourselves as soon as the general public catches onto it. (Look at what's happened to the word patriot.) I never talk about this aspect of my life outside of like-minded company, so I don't feel the need to pretty it up for approval or in order to fly beneath the radar. Besides, if ever the SHTF, it won't matter what label we stick on ourselves.

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

"A prudent man" (survivalist) foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. - Proverbs 22:3

pru�dent (prdnt)
adj.
1. Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgment or common sense.
2. Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident.
3. Careful about one's conduct; circumspect.

"A prudent man" (survivalist) attempts to conduct himself and his affairs so as to avoid getting caught in a desperate situation where survival is threatened.

One of the most desperate situations in life would be finding yourself with no shelter food or money, no job, hungry, cold, losing hope of finding any legitimate way to survive.

In a a survive or perish situation, "A prudent man" (survivalist) is well prepared, what may be a disaster to many;
may only be an inconvenience to the prudent man (survivalist)

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

Only a true survivalist would have the where-with-all to put the link TWICE!!! :wink:

Great article....and a new blog spot for me to read!

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

I don't use "survivalism" with a negative connotation. People who thumb their nose at those of us who choose to "be prepared" can get bent.

Re: Article: What Is A Survivalist?
 

A survivalist can make it through any situation.

I want to become a "Thrivalist", where I'm doing well no matter what happens. :wink: