One hundred seventy years ago, tuberculosis was a lethal disease. This illness posed a significant threat to humanity, resulting in an estimated 1 billion deaths between 1700 and 1900. Notably, traces of tuberculosis have been found in the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings. In the late 1840s, German botanist Hermann Brehmer, confronted with the fatality of tuberculosis, relocated to the Himalayas in search of fresh air. Remarkably, he survived and is believed to have successfully fought off Mycobacterium tuberculosis in that less favorable environment for bacterial growth. As a result, numerous nursing homes emerged across Europe and the United States, including specialized facilities for tuberculosis care and luxury accommodations for the affluent. However, by the 1940s, many of these nursing homes began closing due to the emergence of antibiotics, which drastically changed their economic viability. Throughout history, it seems that economic value often proves transient. - Joseph’s “j...
Self-love is an essential human instinct, prompting us to prioritize our own survival before others. This instinct makes it challenging to make sacrifices for those around us. However, when we deeply love someone, we essentially extend and project our self-concept onto them. In essence, love involves sharing my self-love with another person. Consequently, love fades when I can no longer see myself reflected in that person. When our self-love becomes distorted, it leads to suffering in our relationships with others. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”