I think that your example with plumbing is spot on what this movement is about. I do think that everybody should know at least a bit of plumbing. You don't have to know everything about it, but changing a pipe and unblocking a pipe are basic and common things that everybody should know. It's the same with programming, learning some basic things on your computer: - what is a file, how it's accessed and why it could be inaccessible at some times - how a real life problem is seen in a computer world, what is an algorithm - reading basic (not the language) code and being able to understand some principles such as variable assignation and conditions Knowing that is somewhat related to knowing how your car engine works, and yes you won't have to use that knowledge every day (it's not your job), but it's an helpful skill to have. It's the same with almost every skill, you don't need to be a professional in it, but having a basic understanding of it can always help you in life: - Finance/Economy - Politics/Social skills - Manual skills (plumbing, painting, ...) - Music - Statistics - Zoology - ...