A modern subculture focused on risk management and self-sufficiency, actively preparing for various emergencies or disasters.

Survivalism

What is a "Prepper"?

A "Prepper" generally refers to someone who actively prepares for various emergencies or disasters. These preparations cover a wide range of scenarios, from short-term natural disasters (like earthquakes, hurricanes) to long-term social or economic collapse.

Rather than viewing them as a group of paranoid people, it's better to understand Survivalism as a modern subculture focused on "risk management" and "self-sufficiency." Its core philosophy is that an individual or family should be able to sustain themselves and maintain a basic quality of life when external systems (government, power grid, supply chains) fail.

Focus Points of a Prepper

A prepper's preparations are multifaceted, resembling a giant skill tree that involves knowledge from many different areas:

• Medicine & Health: When professional medical services are unavailable, basic health knowledge becomes crucial.
  • First Aid: Basic skills for treating trauma and emergencies.
  • Nutrition: Knowing how to store and combine food to maintain long-term health.
  • Epidemiology: Understanding disease transmission patterns is key to preventing mass infections.
• Communication & Information: How to stay in touch with the outside world when the internet and phones are down?
  • Amateur Radio: A reliable communication method independent of public networks.
• Self-Sufficiency Skills:
  • Core Skills: Including water purification, food storage, bug-out bags, etc.
• Mental Fortitude: In a crisis, mental strength often determines success or failure.
  • Psychology: Understanding decision-making processes under stress and being wary of cognitive biases.

Recommended Reading

• Popular Science:
  • (Book) The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why
• Textbooks:
  • (Book) The Prepper's Blueprint: The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster
• Further Reading:
  • (Book) Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath
  • (Book) Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder