What is a prepper? by Nathan Blakesley

Everyone needs to read this one very carefully
Nathan thank you for your great submission

Here is my submission of the definition of a Prepper. Forgive its longwindedness, but I feel defining a Prepper is more than simply throwing a label on the term.


In attempting to provide a good definition of the term "prepper", one must look at the word from which it comes, preparer. A quick look at that definition, "One who, or that which, prepares, fits, or makes ready"(en.wiktionary.org/wiki/preparer), gives us a slightly better understanding, but I don't think that's a complete definition.

That is what a prepper does, prepares and makes ready, but to me that definition is just lacking. So let's take a look at the base word, prepare. Here we find a plethora of definitions that I feel all give a good picture into what a prepper is:-fix: make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc -organize: arrange by systematic planning and united effort -educate for a future role or function -train: undergo training or instruction in preparation for a particular role, function, or profession (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)-

To make ready for a specific future purpose (en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prepare)

And then the derivations of prepare: -preparation - the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose -preparation - planning: the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening -preparation - readiness: the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action -prepared - made ready or fit or suitable beforehand (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)

The combining of all these definitions I feel truly encompasses the essence of the prepper. Someone who cognitively, rationally applies common sense and forward thinking to assess potential problematic events and sets forth provisions (whether plans, material, or finances) to mitigate the impact of those events on themselves and those they hold dear.

They're not doomsdayer's, because if the world is going to end, there's no point in preparing, common sense.

They're not isolationists. They don't walk away from society or shun technology. To the contrary many embrace technology.

The majority of preppers are what folks would deem "normal" average people. They just plan ahead.

This is not a new phenomenon. Its a tradition that we've actually gone away from in the last few generations.

Our grandparents canned and stored food and clothes and things they would need in the years to come. Even some of our parents did this as well. But in the age of convenience, why bother? Preppers are those that follow in the wise footsteps of our forefathers and set aside during times of plenty so that they do not want during times of little.

They are many times also true environmentalists. They understand that our life is dependent on our planet. In preparing for times when power will not come from the grid, they implement alternative energy, lessening their impact on the environment. Global warming or not, preppers often become the true stewards of nature. In learning to grow their own food, they learn balance and harmony with the land. What we put in is what we'll take out.

In search of renewable fuels they make homemade biodiesel refineries, and one at a time reduce our dependence on oil as a fuel. Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy, these are all things a prepper considers in their plans.

In short preppers are those that hope for the best, plan for the worst, but make the most of each day as it comes.

Sincerely,

Nathan Blakesley