No matter how long you know someone, you can’t truly understand the mind of that person. A person’s values become evident when they face a dilemma—the dilemma of being unable to choose one option over another. Dilemmas arise amid contradictions where logic clashes, and in response to concerns and fears stemming from uncertainty. The conflict of logic and fear reveals the true nature of humanity. The decisions a person makes while overcoming a dilemma ultimately shape who they are. People often say that the totality of our choices defines our lives, and accepting the consequences, whether good or bad, is a reflection of our character. - 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”