In primitive times, there was no such thing as ‘coincidence’ because all unknown and unpredictable events were interpreted as divine revelation. This reflects a religious and deterministic worldview. Since Christianity was dominant in the West, science also developed based on this deterministic perspective. However, with the rise of quantum mechanics, it has been revealed that the natural world we live in exists in an indeterminate state. Matter is in an uncertain state and becomes determined only when observed by an observer. In other words, the act of observation influences the behavior of the object being observed. To exist and to observe is a deeply metaphysical phenomenon. Do coincidences truly exist? When a decision was made in an undecided state, did God already know the outcome? How much freedom and discretion do humans really have? Does free will truly exist? - 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”