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Just my thoughts #0261

One hundred seventy years ago, tuberculosis was a lethal disease. This illness posed a significant threat to humanity, resulting in an estimated 1 billion deaths between 1700 and 1900. Notably, traces of tuberculosis have been found in the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings. In the late 1840s, German botanist Hermann Brehmer, confronted with the fatality of tuberculosis, relocated to the Himalayas in search of fresh air. Remarkably, he survived and is believed to have successfully fought off Mycobacterium tuberculosis in that less favorable environment for bacterial growth. As a result, numerous nursing homes emerged across Europe and the United States, including specialized facilities for tuberculosis care and luxury accommodations for the affluent. However, by the 1940s, many of these nursing homes began closing due to the emergence of antibiotics, which drastically changed their economic viability. Throughout history, it seems that economic value often proves transient. - Joseph’s “j...
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Just my thoughts #0260

While our bodies rest, our blood remains active. About 30 minutes into sleep, the killer T cells that combat viruses, bacteria, and toxins start to function, aided by growth hormones that repair damaged tissues. Quality sleep enhances the immune system, which in turn promotes further sleep, creating a beneficial cycle that maintains our health. Therefore, ensuring adequate sleep is essential. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0259

My mother uses an old cell phone instead of a typical smartphone. My father passed away without ever owning a cell phone. Though they were my parents living in the same era as technology advanced, they struggled to learn how to use a computer. As a result, my parents felt increasingly out of touch. Existing in the same timeframe doesn’t guarantee that everyone experiences the same advancements in civilization. Although time progresses universally, its impact varies among individuals. This variance is shaped by our memories and cognitive perceptions. Thus, the saying, “You don’t miss your water till the well runs dry” remains relevant. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0258

A Korean AI company developed a language-learning AI for a 5-year-old, splitting it into two systems: one displaying only children’s videos and the other showcasing YouTube videos. After two months of learning, the company was eager to assess the results. They found that children using YouTube, with fewer restrictions, had better language-learning outcomes than those who watched only children’s videos. This raised a thought in me: parents’ efforts to protect their children from certain influences may stem from an unreasonable desire. Striving for perfection can feel woefully inadequate in this world. Isn’t the essence of education about equipping individuals with the knowledge of right and wrong and guiding them to maintain their humanity? - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0257

Self-love is an essential human instinct, prompting us to prioritize our own survival before others. This instinct makes it challenging to make sacrifices for those around us. However, when we deeply love someone, we essentially extend and project our self-concept onto them. In essence, love involves sharing my self-love with another person. Consequently, love fades when I can no longer see myself reflected in that person. When our self-love becomes distorted, it leads to suffering in our relationships with others. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0256

The tallest mountain in the solar system is Olympus Mons on Mars, towering about three times higher than Mt. Everest. Its area, covering 295,000 ㎢, surpasses the size of the Korean Peninsula (220,850 ㎢) and is nearly equivalent to that of France or Arizona. While Olympus Mons has a greater height than any mountain on Earth, its vast area results in an average slope of only 5 degrees. As a result, hikers who ascend Olympus Mons often feel as if they are traversing a flat plain. For humans, the steepness of a climb matters more than its height. For example, ascending a steeper 5 m pole can be more challenging than gradually scaling a 500 m mountain. In life, choosing the right slope to climb is often more crucial than focusing solely on the height reached, whether going uphill or downhill. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0255

Revealing all your attractiveness and skills at once is unwise. This principle is also relevant in business. In marketing, creating “waiting demand” can occur when a superior product model is announced in advance, pressuring customers to postpone their purchases. This phenomenon is known as the “Osborne Effect,” named after the Osborne Computer Company in England, which introduced an excessively innovative computer named Vixen and subsequently went bankrupt the following year because existing products could not be sold. Innovating and guiding your current customers is never a straightforward task. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”