What specifically do you refer at when you say "fundamentals"?

OP mentioned reading Gang of Four, which could be considered fundamental knowledge.

More generally, by fundamentals I mean a pack of things including CS101, basic understanding of C (K&R), data structures and algorithms (those available in coursera courses are enough to get the basics), good use of source control systems, and project architecture basics.

off-topic: what font is that in the first picture?

If you cut yourself with a knife the fault is on you for not using it properly, not on the knife.

It's the exact opposite at my work place...