No matter how smart you are, if you don’t exchange values, you’ll starve to death. For one thing, being self-sufficient enables survival, but self-sufficiency is only possible if you have your own assets and can borrow from others. However, even with existing assets, one can only survive through minimal labor and effort, which means engaging in productive activities. Thus, having great intelligence and applying that intelligence to productive activities are two different things. Even if you aren’t brilliant, you can survive if you are productive. It’s essential to identify the productive activities in which I excel and those where I need improvement. If I understand that, I must act without looking back. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Every day, I examine the world map. When I zoom in, the map reveals a world I have yet to discover. There are countless unknown places on this planet that I have not experienced. By observing the geography, countries, and attractions, I can learn about history and broaden my perspective on the world. Looking at the map prompts me to reconsider space, time, and culture. For instance, in the Bering Strait, Big Diomede Island belongs to Russia, while Little Diomede Island is part of the United States, and the distance between them is only 3.7 kilometers. The International Date Line passes between these two islands. Even if we were to cross the distance by ship, it would take about 9 minutes at a speed of 15 knots. However, after those 9 minutes, we would find ourselves a full 21 hours behind. This situation illustrates that time is more of a human agreement than a mere physical measurement. Ultimately, learning and personal development are fueled by continuous questioning and doubt. ...