Joseph's "Just My Thoughts"

Addiction arises from the allure of immediate rewards. These instant gratifications clearly activate our brains, attracting those who favor such rewards. They play a critical role in shaping human activities and contributing to addiction. For example, if a student struggling to focus notices immediate improvements after studying for just a little while, they are likely to keep studying diligently. Similarly, if stock investors can confirm the traded stock price a month or a year later during their transactions, they may lose interest in trading. The timing of rewards greatly influences human interactions and societal structures. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When an officer informed Prussian Friedrich the Great that there were discrepancies between the book and the actual battle, Friedrich famously replied, “We have a mule that has fought 60 times in our army, yet it remains just a mule.” In response to an officer’s query about becoming a great strategist, Napoleon stated that his only way was to study the history of warfare. Lincoln admitted that everything he sought to understand was contained in a book, and Edison read through the entire collection from the Detroit Library. When asked about the key to his success, Warren Buffett declared that it was consistent reading. Don’t be misled into thinking that experiences outweigh the value of reading. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

A company is a setting where ordinary individuals come together to achieve remarkable accomplishments. Leaders don’t need to surpass every member in ability; instead, they must provide a vision of a vibrant and promising future. It is the leaders’ integrity and responsibility to applaud, motivate, and recognize their team’s contributions. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Genghis Khan, emperor of the Mongol Empire, had a remarkable subordinate general named Yesun Bei. Although Yesun Bei was an extraordinary warrior, Genghis Khan refrained from giving him military authority to command. This decision stemmed from Yesun Bei’s belief that others were similar to him; he became frustrated when they couldn’t perform as well as he could. Without empathy, individuals cannot show respect, and without respect, people do not follow their superiors. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

In 1958, German psychopathologist Klaus Conrad introduced the term “Apophenia” to define the cognitive process of identifying patterns and connections between entirely unrelated ideas. While this phenomenon significantly contributes to human creativity, it can also result in misconceptions or mistakes. This type of error is referred to as “Pareidolia.” Interestingly, both maniacs and geniuses may stem from similar origins. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

While your efforts may have been sincere, claiming success due to those efforts is misleading. The Law of Equivalent Exchange suggests that behind my achievements lie the sacrifices of others, known or unknown to me. We should approach discussions of success with humility and avoid glorification. Neglecting the Law of Equivalent Exchange often leads to the onset of corruption. When considering the sacrifices made by others, we ought to refrain from celebrating our successes based solely on our dedication and hard work. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

We often overlook the financial concept of “opportunity costs” because there is no immediate cash expenditure involved. Typically, we invest more time and effort in purchasing cheaper products. In contrast, wealthy individuals do not have to exert as much effort as those with fewer financial resources. When we factor in opportunity costs, we often find ourselves spending a similar amount of money on the same items, regardless of wealth status. For instance, if Bill Gates picks up a dollar that someone has dropped, he actually detracts from his financial standing due to the opportunity costs associated with the value of his labor. In this regard, he might save more money by choosing to rest instead of working. Ultimately, opportunity costs are the hidden expenses that can keep us in financial distress in the real world. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Ignorance of rest at proper times is not a healthy passion. Compulsory awareness of rest reflects genuine humility and wisdom, especially when we cannot take time off, even during our free time. Taking a rest without self-control or believing that a break will worsen the problem is also a serious issue, akin to a severe disease. Appropriate rest serves as a diagnostic criterion for determining whether our daily routines are healthy. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Receiving an investment signifies that you are receiving a prepayment for future costs and expenses. To generate revenue, you must cover these costs upfront. If you lack the funds necessary to manage current expenses while aiming to raise revenue, you might need to borrow money or attract investments. However, as a recipient of these funds, you cannot use them freely; this money does not belong to you. Legally, your options for utilizing this money are limited: you can either receive it as a salary from your expense account, as a dividend from profits after deductions as a shareholder, or pursue official management incentives. This underscores that the invested funds are not your own. When funds are invested, it implies that profits will be derived from someone else’s money, which you will share with the investor. Although investment alleviates the immediate pressure of expenses, it simultaneously heightens your obligation to generate profits promptly. Being fully funded does not equat...

The concept of “going concern” in accounting emphasizes that a business must persist into the future to retain its value. This principle signifies that present value already incorporates expectations of future value; thus, a business facing uncertainty about its future will inevitably diminish in present value. It highlights the interconnectedness of present and future values, suggesting that they cannot be regarded in isolation. All stocks traded on the stock market are priced based on their anticipated future value. In essence, we trade on a future that has yet to materialize. Consequently, determining how far into the future to evaluate is a critical factor in making investment decisions. Since individuals have varying skills and perspectives on forecasting the future, selecting an investment strategy must align with one’s attitude toward time. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

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”

A bank trades collateral by holding debt called savings and selling bonds known as loans. Customer deposits are not bank money and must be returned to the customer as the bank’s debts. These debts lure customers; the bank lends money to them to recreate bonds with the customers’ debts. At this point, there is “collateral (mortgage)” to prevent the risk of bankruptcy between bonds and debts. In other words, banks do not possess the collateral; they merely govern it. The primary instrument of control is their bonds. In a way, banks tend not to be places where they make money with their own possessions, but rather conduct business as if it were their own with others’ collateral. Therefore, because banks need to know the value of secured collateral, the most accurate investigation of real estate and valuable gem information is key to banking. This is the similarity between a bank and a library that accumulates information. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

In Japanese cuisine, sushi omakase is an approach where patrons rely on the chef’s curated menu and follow the sequence of courses without making personal selections. Since diners don’t choose their dishes, the chef must ensure that the flavors and quality of the ingredients are top-notch. A failure to meet diners’ expectations can spoil the experience of a wonderful meal. This process hinges on the chef’s confidence and the patrons’ trust. While the chef’s skills are crucial, they must also consider the diners’ eating habits, including their pace and frequency of intake, to create a pleasurable dining experience. Ultimately, successful commerce rests on mutual satisfaction, but it can only thrive if the recipients are truly content. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Although it may seem like an exaggeration, relationships are influenced by circumstances beyond just individuals; this extends to their upkeep as well. The interplay between a person’s character, personality, profession, surrounding individuals, and various political and economic factors intricately shapes the development and sustenance of human connections. Therefore, while it’s essential not to overly criticize individuals, it’s equally important not to overlook these influences. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Need and desire are distinct concepts. Instagram serves to fulfill desires rather than needs. For example, saying “I want to eat because I’m hungry” illustrates a “need,” whereas “I’m hungry, so I want a beautiful table setting for the family meal from my mom” depicts a “desire.” If you cannot differentiate between these two ideas and grasp their fundamental meanings, consider stepping away from Instagram for marketing purposes. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When desire intersects with imagination, a product emerges. A product driven solely by desire tends to be unappealing and struggles to capture market interest. Conversely, one built solely on imagination may fall short in practicality and fail to deliver full satisfaction. Desire fuels imagination, while imagination brings us closer to fulfillment. Integrating design into this process constitutes product planning, which brings the product to fruition. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Geography always outmatches technology. While technology propels human civilization, it is still influenced by geopolitical conditions, climate, and the natural environment that geography shapes. For instance, a typhoon brewing far away might not immediately affect my location, but when it strikes, my home is endangered; likewise, my survival hinges on recognizing significant societal changes and technological innovations. Therefore, the purpose of exploring and learning geography through travel extends beyond mere enjoyment; it is essential for survival. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Human abilities have limits. When current skills fall short, people often rely on potential future abilities; yet, these capabilities won’t emerge without bounds. Drawing on future potential to resolve present issues can lead to complications—this occurs due to the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which reveals that previously used potential can create new challenges in the present. Delaying payment for these abilities merely postpones the inevitable, leaving the core issues unresolved. This payment is termed “hardship.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When someone has done nothing wrong and yet their partner quietly ends the relationship, it’s common for people to question themselves, asking, “What did I do wrong?” However, this quiet disconnection often stems from various factors, not just a lack of goodwill or personal fault. A person distressed by this separation may still harbor deeper emotional wounds. The quiet end of a relationship is not a reflection of anyone’s wrongdoing but is tied to the unique circumstances each individual faces. In such cases, it’s prudent to simply view each other as “unsuited.” Avoid feeling unjustly victimized; instead, let’s remind ourselves, “I’m still a good person.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Regardless of your earnings, spending is inevitable. Therefore, spending holds more significance than merely earning, and wealthy individuals emphasize teaching their children how to allocate money toward education. This highlights that human emotions and desires are central to economic theories. Spending can be categorized into two main types: “consumption” and “investment.” “Consumption” refers to expenditures on necessities or perishable goods, whereas “investment” involves acquiring assets aimed at production. Without grasping these distinctions, money spent may be seen as a “waste.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”