Rarely does an erected flag fly alone. An invisible wind moves it, meaning an external force. When the wind blows, flags flutter, dust rises, and laundry dries. Many changes occur in response to one external factor, but we cannot see the cause. Eyes capable of reading invisible external causes can respond to a world of rapid change. We cannot attribute a cause solely by observing a phenomenon; instead, we must recognize a specific pattern across multiple phenomena. The ability to detect hidden commonalities is a form of wisdom. - 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”