I’ve been discussing this with some friends and found the variety of answers to this question interesting. I have been assuming that most people use the terms “self-reliance” and “self-sufficiency” more or less interchangeably. And some do! But not everyone does, and the differences are worth noting.
So I put it to you: What is self-reliance or self-sufficiency to you? Are they the same?
Also, what different areas do you think need to be addressed in order to become self-reliant or self-sufficient?
I await your comments!
I had to check the dictionary because I had never really thought about the difference between the terms. According to Webster, self-reliance is reliance on oneself or one's own powers (I thought you weren't supposed to use a word to define the same word!) and self-sufficient is to supply one's own needs without external assistance. So if you think about that, self-sufficiency sounds like a more extreme version of self-reliance. I think it might be a little difficult to become totally self-sufficient because somewhere along the line you are going to need something from someone else–even if you have money someone has to have what you want to buy. It can be a goal to work toward, but you're going to have to start by acquiring the tools to become self-sufficient. I am going to have to get land and some seed and livestock, etc. before I can totally supply all my own food without relying on a grocery store to have what I need. Some of us may never have the desire or need to become totally self-sufficient, but being able to rely on your own powers sounds like a good place to start!