From a neuroscience perspective, the object I love, devote myself to, and sacrifice for is an ‘extension of myself.’ The brain is inherently selfish. Selfishness is a necessary emotion and attitude for survival. Only when I exist can others exist. Yet, we often see people making sacrifices for others. How can I love someone other than myself? What I dedicate and sacrifice for someone is what my brain perceives as an ‘extended me.’ Ultimately, loving others is an extension of loving myself. Therefore, self-love becomes a foundation and a tool for loving others. If ‘self-love’ is healthy, then loving others is healthy too. - 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”