This is one of those odd questions that doesn’t make much logical sense.

It’s like the phrase common sense. It’s only common if you’ve had a reason to learn it or if it’s part of your culture and everyday life. The same goes for the word basic. What I consider basic may not be basic to someone else.

For instance, I think using a circular saw to cut wood is pretty basic. There are hardly any moving parts other than the spinning blade, and you simply guide it through the wood. Of course, if you want to be technical, you can adjust the blade depth and the cutting angle. Those things are basic to me because I grew up around tools.

On the other hand, someone who grew up in a city apartment may have never touched a saw in their life.

The opposite is true for me now that I live in Rio de Janeiro. Many Cariocas would consider using the Metro a basic life skill. I don’t. I still haven’t learned everything I need to know to confidently venture far from home by myself, especially on a subway system. That’s basic knowledge to them but not to me.

So what really is a “basic” skill?

I don’t think there is one universal answer. Skills are learned through experience, necessity, and environment. What’s second nature to one person may be completely foreign to another.

That’s why I think the question is subjective. There isn’t a single logical answer because “basic” depends entirely on who you ask.