This would be the ideal situation for all of us, that we all know a little or better enough to be more self-sufficient for extreme situations. You never know when you're really going to need them, even if we're not at war... or if we are. Confidence is a very important point along with that knowledge.
Everyone could be more self-sufficient; it's a choice really, and not all that difficult to make happen.
People prefer comfort... but yes, it's really not difficult at all.