Money is the most widely used medium of exchange worldwide, serving as a way to buy essential goods needed for life or to store wealth. Since the country guarantees the stability of fiat currency, it becomes possible to exchange ‘things for money’ instead of ‘things for goods,’ unless the country goes bankrupt. However, this amount of money cannot be increased indefinitely. When there is too much money in circulation, its value drops below the price of goods, causing those who hold wealth in money to lose that wealth. The key point is that money is limited in the market. Due to this limitation, money gains value. The government regulates this money supply through the ‘interest rate.’ Raising the interest rate reduces the money supply, while lowering it increases the supply. This helps control prices. Therefore, understanding the interest rate is crucial for managing and valuing wealth, making it essential to know the interest rate above all else in life. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
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”