Paradoxically, one of the reasons for Rome’s demise was that it kept winning wars. Victories expanded the empire’s territory, and the risks increased proportionally. Men, primarily middle-class men, volunteered as soldiers; the larger the territory, the longer the wars lasted, and the longer it took for them to return home. The women who remained at home were forced to borrow labor and became indebted to the nobility. Eventually, the women were sold into slavery, and by the time the men returned, their families had disintegrated. People don’t betray because they’re evil, but because it increases their risk. If the territory you’re in grows, you might reconsider your loyalties to the organization. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
The reason pencils can be writing instruments is due to pencil lead. The material used for pencil lead is graphite. The graphite element is carbon (C), and four carbon atoms are combined. One carbon atom can have four bonds and can combine with another element. Diamond is similar to graphite, with four carbon atoms. However, diamonds have four carbon bonds that create a strong covalent bond with other carbon atoms, while graphite has only one weak bond. We can write or draw with a pencil because of this loose combination. When you apply pressure to the pencil with your finger, this weak bond in graphite breaks, leaving some of the crystals damaged. Don’t view it merely as a pencil; it’s a diamond’s cousin. The degree of consanguinity is very, very close. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”