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Just my thoughts #0322

When individuals who have successfully overcome adversity and achieved social recognition view the world through their ability to conquer personal struggles, challenges emerge. Seeing the experience of overcoming hardships through diligent effort as an opportunity to cultivate genuine self-confidence enhances positive self-esteem. However, evaluating everything in the world solely from that perspective can lead to significant difficulties for both yourself and others. My success may change me, but there are no guaranteed formulas to positively impact the world. Success holds value when it becomes an internal celebration within me. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0212

Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0054

Rice has been the staple crop of the East, while wheat has been the staple of the West. Rice requires more water to produce than wheat. Rice farmers had to contend with the availability of water, which favored collective farming. Wheat could be grown with less labor than rice. Rice farmers lived collectively, while wheat farmers lived individually. Collective agriculture led to the development of societies that were governed by village rules. On the other hand, individual agriculture led to cultures that valued personal freedom and respect for individuality over communal rules. Patterns of agriculture have indisputably influenced social structure and culture. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”