The Self-Reliance Manifesto: More Than 300 Resources to Guide You on the Path to Radical Freedom

by | Mar 8, 2016 | Headline News | 62 comments

Do you LOVE America?

    Share

    Facebook
    X/Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Email
    Copy URL

    This resource was originally published by Daisy Luther at The Organic Prepper

    self-reliance-manifesto2

    self-reliance-manifesto

    Self-Reliance. It’s a revolutionary word these days and I thought it deserved a manifesto.

    Manifesto: noun man·i·fes·to \ˌma-nə-ˈfes-(ˌ)tō\

    A declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer.

    ~~~~~

    Have you happened to notice that our society is out of balance?

    The consumers outnumber the producers at such a rapid clip that we can’t possibly continue like this. But who has time to produce when they are indebted and working overtime to finance their current lifestyles in the hopes that they will finally be able to buy “enough” to be happy, fulfilled, and loved?

    We live in a society made up mostly of rabid consumers.  As soon as the advertising pros on Madison Avenue point them in a given direction, people flock to it like the zombies on The Walking Dead lurch toward a fresh human, completely oblivious to everything else.  They yearn for these things that are produced across the world and then delivered at a cheap price.  They fill up on cheap food that has been government subsidized, making it unrealistically inexpensive.  They are enslaved as they work to pay for it, or in some cases, accept a handout to pay for it. More people are deeply in debt than ever, living a fancy First World Lifestyle that would crumble with one missed paycheck. They are slaves and they don’t even know it.

    They don’t care that the newest clothing and gadgets were produced in sweatshops across the world. They don’t care that some items are produced by slave labor. They don’t care about the processed offerings at the grocery store., the pesticide-laden produce raised by corporations instead of farmers, or even the feedlots that are the scenes of the worst animal abuse in the country, completely free from prosecution. They don’t care that subsidized corporate agriculture puts real farmers out of business while it destroys our health and our environment.

    They just care about their illusions of prosperity. They care that the products are cheap and make them feel good for a moment.

    And “illusion” is the perfect word for it because we live in a society where many people consume but very few people produce. A society like that could not stand on its own if isolated from the rest of the world or if the corporate food companies and manufacturing plants shut down. The majority of the country has become completely dependent on things that are produced in factories.

    Simple math tells us that this system can’t last forever. We can’t all be consumers if there are no producers.

    These days, self-reliance is actually a revolutionary act.

    That quality is the difference between someone who merely accepts what is doled out to meet the needs of their family and someone with the power to fulfill those needs themselves.

    Regardless of where you live, whether it is at the top of the highest high-rise, in the suburbs, in the desert, or on a few acres in the lush countryside, you can still be more self-sufficient. You can learn to meet your own needs by acquiring the skills to produce. Every single thing that you can produce on your  own is a personal declaration of your own independence, whether it is food, clothing, shelter, or something else to meet the needs of your family. In today’s society, freedom like that is a radical thing, completely against the grain, and it’s much more gratifying than anything you could ever purchase.

    This list is full of insurrections, both small and large. No matter who you are or where you live, you can pick something from the list and learn to do it. That brings you one step closer to the real freedom of self-sufficiency. If you live in an urban environment or one not conducive to 30 chickens and a flock of goats, you can learn to preserve food in delicious ways or make your own clothing, or cook from scratch. You can grow some veggies or herbs in your windowsill. You can go on a foraging hike nearby.

    You can do something.  You are a free human being and you deserve better than to simply line up at the store and exchange dollars you spent many hours earning for rations of processed, food-like substances and electronic gadgets. You deserve the feeling that comes from creating and producing. There is absolutely nothing like it on this earth.

    This is a collection of more than 300 resources to inspire you and teach you to be more self-reliant.You’ll see that there are numerous articles on some topics, and that is because they are all written from a different perspective. Some bloggers and authors live in the ‘burbs, some live in big cities, and some live off-grid in the boondocks, but they all have lessons to teach you.  I hope that you will discover some new experts and mentors along the way.

    So, no excuses. I’m not an expert. I wasn’t brought up in an agrarian lifestyle. I’m learning, just like you are, and after a lot of trial and error, I’m just now starting to put meat on the table that I raised myself.  I’m a former city girl, a single mom, and a newbie at a lot of this stuff, and if I can become more self-reliant, so can you!  Every day, I learn something new that puts me one step closer to the personal liberty I crave. I have personally read the work of every single author and blogger on this list, and I am positive that every person who reads this post can findsomething to learn that will put them on the path toward real freedom.

    Getting Started

    General Homesteading Information

    Chickens

    Ducks, Geese, Quail, and Turkeys

    Rabbits

    Pigs

    Goats

    Cows

    Bees

    Gardening

    Soil Building and Composting

    Orchards

    Aquaponics

    Old-Fashioned Skills

    Off-Grid Living

    Scratch Cooking

    Off-Grid Kitchen

    Food Preservation

    Foraging

    Passing on Self-Reliance Lessons to Kids

    Create. Produce. Rebel.

    The biggest insurrection in our society is to be self-sufficient.  Make the way you live your life a revolutionary act by producing some of the things that you need.

    Let me know in the comments how you will rebel against the status quo. What skills and projects you will undertake this year? I want to hear about your self-reliance goals!

    Shout-out to the incredible community at the Homestead Bloggers Network!

    I asked and you came through to help me create this guide.

    The Pantry Primer

    Please feel free to share any information from this article in part or in full, giving credit to the author and including a link to The Organic Prepper and the following bio.

    Daisy Luther is the author of The Pantry Primer: A Prepper’s Guide To Whole Food on a Half Price Budget.  Her website, The Organic Prepper, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email her at [email protected]

    Also From Daisy Luther:

    The Prepper’s Blueprint: A Step-By-Step Guide To Prepare For Any Disaster

    Here’s How You’ll Die When the SHTF (and How to Prevent Your Untimely Demise)

    How to Prepare for a Cyber Attack: ‘These Systems Could Be Completely Inoperable or Breached’

    San Andreas for Preppers: 12 Essential Survival Lessons from the Movie

    12 Bad Strategies That Will Get Preppers Killed

    Lock and Load: Are You Prepared for Civil Unrest?

    You’ve Been Warned: Why You Need to Be Ready for Total Grid Failure

    Jump to comments

    URGENT ON GOLD… as in URGENT

    It Took 22 Years to Get to This Point

    Gold has been the right asset with which to save your funds in this millennium that began 23 years ago.

    Free Exclusive Report
    The inevitable Breakout – The two w’s

      Related Articles

      Comments

      Join the conversation!

      It’s 100% free and your personal information will never be sold or shared online.

      Register here

      62 Comments

      1. WhoWTFKnows... on March 8, 2016 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks, But instead of the Hyperlink how about the actual website link so we can cut and past it into a word doc.

        ~WWTI…

        • Wilson on March 8, 2016 at 9:28 pm

          Excellent resource, Daisy. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

          • buttcrackofdoom on March 9, 2016 at 12:20 am

            yes daisy…many thanks to you for ALL you do!

            • KY Mom on March 9, 2016 at 9:03 am

              Excellent article Daisy! 🙂 

              Thank you for including all the helpful links!

        • passinwiththewind on March 9, 2016 at 6:52 am

          Daisy, you really did your homework on this one, and many will find useful things here in your list.
          Good job.

      2. Genius on March 8, 2016 at 5:45 pm

        Holy Cow! Bookmarked it! Thanks…

        • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 6:16 pm

          Speaking of resources, do any of you know a good adhesive to stick vinyl flooring to plywood? I tried contact cement but it just got hard then seperated with the expansion and contraction (outdoors). I thought about using silicone adhesive because its flexible. Any ideas?

          • Archivist on March 8, 2016 at 6:25 pm

            I don’t know what kind of project you have going on, but my first thought would be to go old school and nail it with carpet tacks or staples.

            • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 6:57 pm

              I am laying it on a plywood surface covered porch. There is a cutout for the door to my battery bank access which is where the problem lies. It need to be glued all around the edges and well, nails would just look, Tacky lol.

              • WhoWTFKnows... on March 8, 2016 at 7:11 pm

                Hey Genius, Is your battery bank vented to the outside for air circulation? You do want them vented.. Not sure what battery gasses to to wood over time. You know that though, you are a Genius.. ha.

                ~WWTI…

                • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:07 pm

                  My battery bank IS outside under the porch lol. After 8 years with them there I haven’t had a problem. Ha!

              • Nels on March 8, 2016 at 7:57 pm

                Use Liquid Nails: homedepot

                • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:09 pm

                  Nels, hmmm you might be onto something, Liquid nails is great stuff! I use it to glue rocks to the inside wall and it holds great over the years. I believe you have the answer! Thanks 🙂

                • passinwiththewind on March 9, 2016 at 7:00 am

                  Liquid nails sets up hard and will probably crack out eventually.
                  For a cheap adhesive, black roofing patch cement might do the trick.
                  Otherwise, I would bite the bullet and spring for gorilla glue or any type that stays somewhat flexible.

            • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:12 pm

              Lost, I think epoxy would get too hard and maybe encourage tearing. I haven’t tried gorilla glue but that may be pricey. Def. consider it though, thanks!

          • rellik on March 8, 2016 at 7:57 pm

            Gorilla glue?
            I know for sure 3M 5200
            will work, but it is pricey
            and takes a while to set up.
            But it is bullet proof.

            • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm

              relik, I got the flooring for free (used 3 days) and I can get more next year if liquid nails doesn’t work. Thanks for the recommendation!

              • Lost In The C.R.C. on March 8, 2016 at 8:46 pm

                Sounds like someone does conventions/exhibition set-ups 🙂 you done any set ups in Moscone center in the bay area?

                • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 9:51 pm

                  What is a convention setup? Where is Moscone?

                  • Dave in idaho on March 9, 2016 at 11:09 am

                    Moscone center is in SanFransico….named after the ferry mayor that was killed decades ago.

              • Tex on March 8, 2016 at 9:09 pm

                Liquid nails is the adhesive to use, then cover it all with a marine varnish. Spread the Liquid Nails with a 1/8″ trowel and clean up with mineral spirits. It should last years if it drains well. You might need to shim the plywood, so you get good drainage.
                The problem is vinyl tile shrinks with age. I think the volatile chemicals in the flooring evaporate and the tiles shrink and get brittle, so sealing it is critical.
                I’ve got a bunch of rent houses and I’ve replaced all the vinyl with ceramic tile, but I went the vinyl tile route first and was disappointed with the durability.

                • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 9:50 pm

                  Tex, I built the porch at a very slight angle down so it would drain water and it is sheet vinyl. And yes it expands and contracts with the seasons thats why I want something that is at least a little flexible. I think liquid nails will nail it lol.

          • Philosopher on March 8, 2016 at 9:07 pm

            There is a special product you can get at any home center.

            • Genius on March 9, 2016 at 12:41 am

              Ya I get a special product at my home center, it’s called LOVE 😛 I have 5 females awaiting me lol. My harem 😛

      3. Slingshot on March 8, 2016 at 5:50 pm

        This is going to take time to digest all this stuff.

        Good topics.

      4. angry beaver on March 8, 2016 at 6:07 pm

        Definitely a good list of resourses ; in combination with free pdf files on military manuals no excuses now.
        Things are getting real in Alberta crime up unemployment up
        Food banks stretched thin
        Gas $3.00 gallon
        Fresh food not too overly priced
        Rents are coming down I just got a $150 reduction in my rent , told landlord take $650 or take nothing I’m moving with everyone going home lots if vacancys. Things problem now is everyone that stayed is now on unemployment insurance (not a handout) comes off your paycheck as ui insurance you pay in you can apply lots of hoops to get it.
        anyway now everyone has that in.place and no one wants to work lol. I found a place to work slow shop hours but I hung in there and we just picked up a longer term contract I was put at the top of the drivers list for the daily run. We tried to hire no one wanted to give up steady benefits for spotty work leaving more for guys like me. Who are willing to work away from home.
        If you are buying you have more power to negotiate that I’ve noticed
        Private hotels
        Private sales
        Services for sure
        Rental agreements
        Vehicle repairs
        All price negotiable
        Yes we are in a true economic collapse here in Alberta however I seem to be doing not as good as I once was but definitely not near as bad as many.
        That last artical was a bit embellished but true.
        Well gotta get ready for work
        ( think I hear running water)
        Beaver out

        • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 6:12 pm

          Leave it to Beaver to find a way out of this 🙂

          • Dave in idaho on March 8, 2016 at 9:06 pm

            MMM beavers.

      5. Archivist on March 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm

        The “Ten Acres Enough” link is to Amazon where you can purchase a book. The book is public domain, so instead of buying it, you can download the original book for free from:

        ht tps://ia801400.us.archive.org/23/items/tenacresenoughpr00morriala/tenacresenoughpr00morriala.pdf

        There are countless prepping books on Archive that are free for the downloading. I have spent many days downloading books, trying various keywords to find the ones I need.

        I also prefer the original scans of old books over new printed editions because the new editions are sometimes edited or even abridged.

        • Archivist on March 8, 2016 at 6:33 pm

          I like this quote from the preface to “Ten Acres Enough”:

          “Many such are constantly looking round in this direction for something which, with less mental toil and anxiety, will provide a maintenance for a growing family, and afford a refuge for advancing age some safe and quiet harbor, sheltered from the constantly recurring monetary and political convulsions which in this country so suddenly reduce men to poverty.”

          This book was published during the Civil War, so the author was witness to the monetary and political convulsions.

          • Philosopher on March 8, 2016 at 9:15 pm

            Archivist I like “free.” Free is always best!

            I did an organic farm internship with a gal that had two acres under production. Two acres. She produced enough to supply fancy greens to all of the restaurants and bakeries in town (about 4 as I recall) along with a weekly CSA (community supported agriculture) plan that gave people who enrolled between one to two brown bags of produce, per week, depending on the time of year. She had 16 families enrolled. I am sorry, I don’t remember how much she charge for subscriptions. She also sold at the weekly farmer’s market and had a little cart and stand. I worked at the stand and we usually sold out of everything within a few hours. This was a small island that had a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday.

            The work was hard as hell! Dragging hoses. Shading lettuce and greens. Thinning carrots and beets (50 foot, rows, on your hands and knees). Picking bush beans was one thing I hated at the end. Four 50 foot rows. Picking on my hands and knees.

            The one mistake that gal made was she bought land without water. She built cisterns on her property but because there wasn’t running water she leased two acres that had access to water, electricity (for refrigeration after washing and cleaning all of the produce, my hands have never been so fricken cold). Vegetables use a lot of water. Most people have no idea how much water it takes.

      6. Philosopher on March 8, 2016 at 6:25 pm

        Added this to my home screen. This is going to take some time to go through and read. Awesome article and the links look useful and relevant. One of my favorite small books (it is an essay, really) is “Self Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

        Here is a link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-Reliance

        Emerson was a mentor to Henry David Thoreau. I was inspired to live near a pond, in a 9 foot by 9 foot converted hippie-style chicken coop (in the summer of 1997) in order to experience my own version of “On Walden Pond.” I did an organic farm internship on Lopez Island. It was the best summer of my life. I will never forget it.

      7. Warchild Dammit! on March 8, 2016 at 6:45 pm

        A excellent article with a lot of good info to delve thru,Mac,keep up with articles like this,this is the info folks need!

        I was thinking the articles here so gloomy they result in many sad posts,wanted to be more positive posting with at least one uplifting post a night,and,lo and behold,this article a perfect start,so here goes what may be the beginning of a Warchild tradition,the power of a positive post!

        Warchild says”You can do anything you want/set your mind to in this world.Seriously,some one believes in you,it just ain’t fucking me!”

      8. john stiner on March 8, 2016 at 6:57 pm

        Just benefited from this article. I ordered the automatic chicken water valves recommended from one of the web sites.

        I had been looking for an alternative to the water system I already have so i am excited to see this new device.

        Thanks for this article.

        • Philosopher on March 8, 2016 at 9:17 pm

          JS: awesome! Let us know how they work!

      9. john stiner on March 8, 2016 at 7:00 pm

        Aquaponics totally blows. Don’t waste your time.

        I tried it for a year. The tomatoes totally sucked. Any little hick-up in the system killed the fish.

        I wasted more money than I could have ever recovered with a functioning system.

      10. Warchild Dammit! on March 8, 2016 at 7:06 pm

        John,you looked into the vertical pvc hydro systems,,can grow a lot in small space(apt. dwellers with sun/deck)put on wheels to bring in on frost nights/exchange plant locations for better growth,a lot on utube on this,have not tried yet but with a solar charged water pump see a lot of promise there.

        • Nels on March 8, 2016 at 8:08 pm

          Something you should consider: cost of nutrients and usually small openings for edibles. Looks great but… not real practical.

      11. WhoWTFKnows... on March 8, 2016 at 7:23 pm

        Just a note to all Preppers, Remember to Back up all your computer files/ photos, and data regularly on a USB 32GB memory sticks, and save the stick in a save place. You will be so happy you did, if the grid goes down, or an EMP or power surges that could blow up all your electronics. You will have your data saved for easy access on any other working Computer.

        I also read some info lately on using a Laptop Battery for a backup energy source that you can charge up cell phones etc; with the USB connection. Of course you do that with an old laptop that is no longer functioning, even though the battery may still be good. Pull the battery out and save it. Just google it for a link and details.

        ~WWTI…

        • Genius on March 9, 2016 at 12:38 am

          I have also seen a body detox thing where you take a 5 gallon bucket and wrap it with insulated wire all the way up then attach it to a laptop battery or charger. Fill the bucket with vinegar and water or salt etc. Stick yer feet in it and it draws out toxins. Like a big electromagnetic charged liquid deal. Check it out with a search, it made sense to me 🙂

          • The Cookin' Mom on March 9, 2016 at 4:29 am

            Or….you could buy an ionic foot bath. Dramatic results if you need the detox, none if you don’t. I’ve got one…..love it.
            …..research! Take a little extra potassium and drink plenty of fluids. Drains the lymph system.

      12. Asshat on March 8, 2016 at 7:23 pm

        Self reliance is considered radical freedom hmmmm. This list is the best I’ve seen yet .

      13. BadAmerican on March 8, 2016 at 7:59 pm

        Evening to all.

        Thanks Daisy for all the info and links in one place.

        Be safe neighbor.

        …..steady…….BA.

      14. eppe on March 8, 2016 at 8:38 pm

        Memory stick prices have dropped nicely.
        I recently got a rubberized shock and weatherproffed 64 gig for 18$.
        Everyone needs to scan important documents and load it up.
        I transfered off a 1 gig that I had for years at the same 18$.
        See how the prices have changed.
        As wwti said, you will be glad you did.
        Be well all

        • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:44 pm

          eppe, thanks for reminding me I need to get another metal trash can to put my spare inverter and controller and radio gear in at the retreat. Hate to bugout only to find all my spare stuff fried! Yer a lifesaver my man 🙂

          • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 8:51 pm

            For a preloaded memory stick that is emp proof and has a TON of the good old info on it (Anerkist kookbook, puur mans jammes bond, etc.) go to freedomslipsdotcom and click on the bulletdrive ad!

            • eppe on March 8, 2016 at 9:02 pm

              Ah, the cookbook, one of my favorites to pull recipes from….

              A 70’s classic…

              • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 9:29 pm

                Mayhem, it’s whats for dinner lol 😛

                • eppe on March 8, 2016 at 9:39 pm

                  Was a favorite read.
                  Amazing what one can make.
                  Glad to have all body parts intact.

                  Got to be a good cheif…

              • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 9:39 pm

                eppe, great minds think alike eh? I actually know a lot of shit I dont post (I like my door in 1 piece). Bad boys Bad boys whatcha gonna do when they come for you lol….

                • eppe on March 8, 2016 at 10:22 pm

                  I know I about wore that paperback out.
                  Still got it in my vast book collection.
                  Then digital came about, changed alot.

                  Be well rounded…

            • Philosopher on March 8, 2016 at 9:19 pm

              Genius: TYTY! I was always too afraid to buy that book in the past. Now? WTF! I am going for it! ~ hugs ~

              • Genius on March 8, 2016 at 9:42 pm

                YVW!

              • Archivist on March 8, 2016 at 11:51 pm

                You don’t have to buy it. Download it.

                ht tps://uniteyouthdublin.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/anarchist-cookbook-william-powell.pdf

                • Genius on March 9, 2016 at 12:22 am

                  Archivist, it has a LOT more than just that book. It has all 3 puur mennns jammes bond buuks and a total of over 900 survival documents. Evidently you didn’t bother looking lol.

                  • Archivist on March 9, 2016 at 6:45 am

                    How can you tell what I looked at? Philosopher was talking about buying the book, and I stated where it could be downloaded for free. The site’s other content was irrelevant to the point.

                    I assume everyone here knows how the internet works and knows that when you find something interesting on a site, there is probably other interesting content. I have also stated in the past that I download entire sites as backups when they have good content. I have been downloading and archiving internet content since about 1993, when I downloaded all available issues of Phrack. In the case of this particular site, I already have the books in my archives. That’s why I’m the Archivist.

                    • passinwiththewind on March 9, 2016 at 7:05 am

                      I can always count on you to have the goods, Archivist.
                      Maybe, we can hook up sometime when i come down out of these hills to fish at the Banks?

                    • passinwiththewind on March 9, 2016 at 7:11 am

                      Spent a little time in little Wash, with a dear friend of mine from Morehead, that i use to shoot sporting clays with.
                      He past a few years back from cancer, and i miss him a lot.

                      He was a chef/cook, that had recipies from all over the world where he had traveled. Many were given to him directly from chefs at the better restaurants that he ate at. That was one archive I would have loved to own, but his dumbass wife just trashed them all.

                    • Archivist on March 9, 2016 at 11:59 am

                      I’ve never tried surf fishing. I’m not good at fishing off a pier. I’m best with a cane pole and some white bread on a creek. I haven’t been in years.

                      I can tell you the good places to eat. El’s Drive-In in Morehead City, Henry’s Restaurant in Kitty Hawk, Frog Island Seafood in Barco, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe in Nags Head, and Quality Seafood in Elizabeth City are all good, and you can find them on the internet.

                      The Lone Cedar is expensive, but the servings are huge. My wife and I have eaten there. She got flounder. It was on a platter large enough for a turkey and was hanging over the edges. I had shrimp and oysters, and I could hardly finish it all. They have permanent osprey nests on poles outside, so you can watch the birds while you eat.

                      Quality Seafood is a market and restaurant. I buy oysters to cook at home. The restaurant is plain, but the food is really good.

      15. 2isone on March 9, 2016 at 8:10 am

        This is a great post. I could stay here on these links for hours.

      16. Warchild Dammit! on March 9, 2016 at 3:52 pm

        Guys ,for those who love to cook,check out USCrow,plenty of recipes,hell,some even Warchild wouldn’t attempt,dammit!

      Commenting Policy:

      Some comments on this web site are automatically moderated through our Spam protection systems. Please be patient if your comment isn’t immediately available. We’re not trying to censor you, the system just wants to make sure you’re not a robot posting random spam.

      This website thrives because of its community. While we support lively debates and understand that people get excited, frustrated or angry at times, we ask that the conversation remain civil. Racism, to include any religious affiliation, will not be tolerated on this site, including the disparagement of people in the comments section.

          The content on this site is provided as general information only. The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of sponsors or firms affiliated with the author(s). The author may or may not have a financial interest in any company or advertiser referenced. Any action taken as a result of information, analysis, or advertisement on this site is ultimately the responsibility of the reader.

          SHTFplan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.