Q:

What does "Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness" mean?

When people talk about "Self-Sufficiency and Preparedness", I wonder what it mean specifically? I.e., in what aspects is self-sufficiency, and what is prepared? 
For example, this board at this forum. Thanks!

A:

Self sufficiency means independence, to greater or lesser degree, from reliance on other persons or on borrowed resources sources, or both. 
Preparedness is related to sufficiency, sometimes but not necessarily, to self sufficiency, in that a plan for sufficiency, be it of materials or of personal attributes, to meet an interim, or passing necessity requires the mustering of needed items, as well as of the needed skills and foreknowledge to meet that temporary necessity. Being prepared is a short term proposition in the sense that one has or gains a sense of what might be expected within a short period of time - and activity or excursion for example - and acts ahead of time to meet it. Self sufficiency, on the other hand, is a long term inclination of endeavor so as to not need to rely on other than self, to the optimal degree possible. Self sufficiency is more a way, a philosophy, of being. Preparedness is habit related to planning and anticipation: of not wanting to be caught off guard.
The Scout Motto inculcates the notion of never embarking upon an activity without bringing, or planning ahead for acquisition of, all items that might be needed. Being unprepared means that energy and time is diverted away from the anticipated activity. The motto has significant military underpinnings and overtones as do other scouting accouterments and practices.

