Punch tumble Weed to obtain stick, bones and plant fiber. 
New ages will be unlocked automaticly as you progress.
You will be in adventure mode until you get to the Stone Age. 
Skill books unlock new mods when you right click with one in your hand.
Skill books can be found in dungeon chests.
Skill books cannot be read until you unlock the correct age.
Save locked Skill books, will save you some grind later on.
Make a sizable Wheat, Sugar Cain, and Industrial Hemp farm before attempting to make masonary brick machines.
Staying out in the sun too long will give you sunstroke.
ME Systems will be unlocked during the space age.
You can break blocks when you reach the stone age.