no matter YOUR area of expertise, what discipline is it ALWAYS good to know at least a little bit about?

Question

"i'm a doctor, not a bricklayer."
-leonard mc coy

Answer 1

I totally agree with most of the answers above!! :)

I vote for Human Relations. We can always find someone to help us with our cars and sinks :), but how we deal with people in our lives is up to us, we're alone in that, and it's not easy!!

The art of understanding, the art of forgiving, the art of smiling when we are mad or sad, all difficult to learn, and I guess we'll never master at any of that, but how to deal with people is, for sure, the most important discipline of all, for me. :)

Answer 2

No matter what our area of expertise it is always good to know at least a little about the discipline of learning from others, actually listening, and courteously taking an interest in the things they're good at. No matter how much we know it is impossible to know everything, but the greater the range of things we learn and people we can access the more we are part of Homo sapiens, truly human.

Answer 3

Of course, the answer to your question depends to some degree on how you define "discipline." Be that as it may, I would personally opt for philosophy, since it is the discipline that sets yu up for all sorts of questions. Science is impossible without philosophy; in fact, the entire enterprise depends on the metaphysical conclusion that the universe is intelligible and that therefore empirical testing can yield knowledge on the ontological nature of nature (i.e., how the universe really is). Religious beliefs usually seek expression and understanding, as St. Anselm said (theology is thus often defined as "fides quaerens intellectum," or "faith seeking understanding"). And for that, philosophy is indispensable. And even in political questions, or issues of art we are in many ways dependent on philosophical musing. Thus, philosophy is truly the one discipline I think we all could and should know more about.

But regardless of all the "disciplines" of systematic inquiry into our existence that we have come up with over the history of our species, there are some non-systematic capabilities that are far more important, namely to find the courage to love, to be able to relate to other humans, to be in relationship with one another. Or to say it in the words of a German theologian: "Just do what God did; become human...)

Answer 4

It's always good to know a bit about mathematics for example, even if you went to "Tommy's two-up" school you should learn how to get a discount... yet few schools teach kids how to do that.

I think knowing a little about first aid comes in handy.

In this cruel world knowing something of the law is useful too.

The zen-like art of breathing well is my answer though.

Answer 5

I'm no genius, but I've always enjoyed reading the newspaper from front to back since I was a kid. You can expand your vocabulary, learn English, and be well versed in many subjects all over the globe. You can draw timely advice from anything to home repair to medical advice, just by reading the newspaper regularly. Good books and interesting magazines are helpful also. Read and Learn.

Answer 6

I'm a math teacher, so I'd obviously be biased in saying everyone needs to know at least a little bit. But actually, my first thought wasn't even math. It was medicine. Everyone needs to have an elementary understanding, at the very least. Especially those people with kids. I have two kids and you betcha I know CPR and have first aid skills.

Answer 7

Self-discipline.

Answer 8

Basic household plumbing
How to change a washer for a dripping faucet.
How to shut off the main.
Reset your garbage disposal.
Snake your toilet.

Calling a plumber is an average $60 hour plus any parts!
(Very frustrating when they spend every 10 seconds adjusting their pants.)

Answer 9

Maths, at least a grasp of it comes in very handy. But so does a basic grasp of most subjects, I think you just need enough to start asking the right people the right questions.

Answer 10

Tying knots. Whatever you do in life you need to know how to tie a knot to even dress yourself. Even a doctor has to know how to tie a knot to make a stitch.