In <What Is Life?>, written by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, there is an expression, “Independence is a political term, not a scientific term.” Independence is the state in which a person can live alone without help or influence from others, using their own strength and ability. The condition of being physically separated from the community is called “isolation.” Independence and isolation are different. Isolation should not be mistaken for independence. To exclude influence and secure autonomy is independence, while deliberately cutting off relationships is isolation. Independence is based on achievement; isolation is based on hurt. To grow, you must be independent, not isolated. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
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”