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...
British anthropologist Robin Dunbar was certain that primate cerebral neocortical capacity determines the number of social relations. He definitively established the limit of human relationships at 100 to 230 people. The average value of 150 people is known as Dunbar's number. In the world of chimpanzees, 30 is the absolute maximum. However, fewer than 12 people in the world can sympathize with me. My best friend is now reduced to 3 or 4. The relationship quantity decreases to the square root value and increases to the square value. Three or four of my best friends will eventually connect with people from all over the world. This is the same principle as when one or two virus-infected people infect the world. Focus on your best friend. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”