I had a grandmother who was very interested in self-sufficiency. She always had a garden and it fascinated me. I thought it was very cool to walk outside to the yard and grab free food, lol. When I became an adult I got to put my own ideas into place. Gardens, animals and a general attitude of thriftiness and frugality.
Welcome from VA...
Self sufficiency came from grands & parents backgrounds. Back then it wasn't "self sufficient" it was survival & how life was. Grow it, make it or do without. Lessons learned & loved it.