Joseph's "Just My Thoughts"

Paradoxically, one of the reasons for Rome’s demise was that it kept winning wars. Victories expanded the empire’s territory, and the risks increased proportionally. Men, primarily middle-class men, volunteered as soldiers; the larger the territory, the longer the wars lasted, and the longer it took for them to return home. The women who remained at home were forced to borrow labor and became indebted to the nobility. Eventually, the women were sold into slavery, and by the time the men returned, their families had disintegrated. People don’t betray because they’re evil, but because it increases their risk. If the territory you’re in grows, you might reconsider your loyalties to the organization. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Expansion inherently carries risks. As a country or business grows, the number of elements needing protection rises significantly, heightening the likelihood of failure. Many say, “Achieving success is challenging, but sustaining it is even more difficult.” Balancing capacity and expansion is often complex; yet, it is crucial to achieve this equilibrium to prevent success from becoming a curse. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The flesh of salmon is naturally white. Its characteristic orange hue results from the salmon’s diet, which is rich in shrimp, imparting the shrimp’s color to its flesh. This orange pigment, known as ‘carotenoids,’ is also found in carrots. Fish with red flesh possess high levels of hemoglobin in their blood and myoglobin in their muscles, enabling them to utilize oxygen efficiently, particularly those that require strong muscle activity. Although salmon are typically less active, they become more engaged during the spawning season when they travel back to their rivers. It’s fascinating to think that salmon and carrots are linked through this pigment despite having no apparent connection. The world has unimaginable connections. Who can predict what tomorrow will bring? Thus, let’s strive to be good people. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

A bank trades collateral by holding debt called savings and selling bonds known as loans. Customer deposits are not bank money and must be returned to the customer as the bank’s debts. These debts lure customers; the bank lends money to them to recreate bonds with the customers’ debts. At this point, there is “collateral (mortgage)” to prevent the risk of bankruptcy between bonds and debts. In other words, banks do not possess the collateral; they merely govern it. The primary instrument of control is their bonds. In a way, banks tend not to be places where they make money with their own possessions, but rather conduct business as if it were their own with others’ collateral. Therefore, because banks need to know the value of secured collateral, the most accurate investigation of real estate and valuable gem information is key to banking. This is the similarity between a bank and a library that accumulates information. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

In Japanese cuisine, sushi omakase is an approach where patrons rely on the chef’s curated menu and follow the sequence of courses without making personal selections. Since diners don’t choose their dishes, the chef must ensure that the flavors and quality of the ingredients are top-notch. A failure to meet diners’ expectations can spoil the experience of a wonderful meal. This process hinges on the chef’s confidence and the patrons’ trust. While the chef’s skills are crucial, they must also consider the diners’ eating habits, including their pace and frequency of intake, to create a pleasurable dining experience. Ultimately, successful commerce rests on mutual satisfaction, but it can only thrive if the recipients are truly content. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Although it may seem like an exaggeration, relationships are influenced by circumstances beyond just individuals; this extends to their upkeep as well. The interplay between a person’s character, personality, profession, surrounding individuals, and various political and economic factors intricately shapes the development and sustenance of human connections. Therefore, while it’s essential not to overly criticize individuals, it’s equally important not to overlook these influences. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Need and desire are distinct concepts. Instagram serves to fulfill desires rather than needs. For example, saying “I want to eat because I’m hungry” illustrates a “need,” whereas “I’m hungry, so I want a beautiful table setting for the family meal from my mom” depicts a “desire.” If you cannot differentiate between these two ideas and grasp their fundamental meanings, consider stepping away from Instagram for marketing purposes. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When desire intersects with imagination, a product emerges. A product driven solely by desire tends to be unappealing and struggles to capture market interest. Conversely, one built solely on imagination may fall short in practicality and fail to deliver full satisfaction. Desire fuels imagination, while imagination brings us closer to fulfillment. Integrating design into this process constitutes product planning, which brings the product to fruition. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Geography always outmatches technology. While technology propels human civilization, it is still influenced by geopolitical conditions, climate, and the natural environment that geography shapes. For instance, a typhoon brewing far away might not immediately affect my location, but when it strikes, my home is endangered; likewise, my survival hinges on recognizing significant societal changes and technological innovations. Therefore, the purpose of exploring and learning geography through travel extends beyond mere enjoyment; it is essential for survival. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Human abilities have limits. When current skills fall short, people often rely on potential future abilities; yet, these capabilities won’t emerge without bounds. Drawing on future potential to resolve present issues can lead to complications—this occurs due to the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which reveals that previously used potential can create new challenges in the present. Delaying payment for these abilities merely postpones the inevitable, leaving the core issues unresolved. This payment is termed “hardship.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When someone has done nothing wrong and yet their partner quietly ends the relationship, it’s common for people to question themselves, asking, “What did I do wrong?” However, this quiet disconnection often stems from various factors, not just a lack of goodwill or personal fault. A person distressed by this separation may still harbor deeper emotional wounds. The quiet end of a relationship is not a reflection of anyone’s wrongdoing but is tied to the unique circumstances each individual faces. In such cases, it’s prudent to simply view each other as “unsuited.” Avoid feeling unjustly victimized; instead, let’s remind ourselves, “I’m still a good person.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Regardless of your earnings, spending is inevitable. Therefore, spending holds more significance than merely earning, and wealthy individuals emphasize teaching their children how to allocate money toward education. This highlights that human emotions and desires are central to economic theories. Spending can be categorized into two main types: “consumption” and “investment.” “Consumption” refers to expenditures on necessities or perishable goods, whereas “investment” involves acquiring assets aimed at production. Without grasping these distinctions, money spent may be seen as a “waste.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When you find yourself lost, your true journey begins. If the future appears unclear and uncertain, the adventure has already started. If you focus solely on concerns during your travels, you may miss opportunities. Embrace the unexpected and find joy in it. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

White hair is referred to as “gray streaks of hair” when it is sparse on black hair. However, when there is more white hair, it is called “white hair.” Quantity is an essential criterion for distinguishing meaning. When analyzing certain phenomena, quantity significantly influences definitions and meaning; however, it can also overlook other important aspects. Therefore, the meaning of “quantity” should always be considered carefully. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

As every person has a platform on social media, companies aim to allow customers to engage with their products or services. Offering experiential opportunities has gained significance; however, just because customers have experiences doesn’t mean they will share them. A crucial aspect is whether that experience becomes a lasting memory. It’s important to recognize that experience and memory are distinct concepts, and one must consider how to convert an experience into a meaningful memory. Essentially, experiences become memories when customers can fully express themselves during those moments. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Ability and skill are distinct concepts. When we refer to a person’s unique power as an ability, the capacity to translate that power into real-world action is known as skill. Some individuals fail to succeed despite having remarkable abilities because they struggle to bring those abilities to fruition in reality. Essentially, ability denotes potential, while skill represents the achievement of that potential. The market serves as a tangible environment where many express their aspirations; thus, regardless of how exceptional their abilities may be, relying solely on skill is insufficient. This is why luck plays a crucial role in success. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

What defines an elite? Is it someone who has studied a lot and done well? Is it someone who has a lot of experience? If so, is it someone who has a lousy personality despite having prominent abilities? The word elite comes from “meritocracy.” People who have worked harder than others and won the competition believe they should receive more benefits. Excessive meritocracy harms the common good. “If you’re envious and regretful, you do so too! Can’t you do that?” stems from the misguided belief that one’s success and victories are solely due to their own efforts. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Individuals who lack awareness of their own desires often seek those of others. In contrast, those who understand their own desires exhibit a degree of mental health, regardless of their honesty or dishonesty. Clearly, mentally healthy individuals do exist. Being around such a person provides me with a sense of security. In these times, reassurance is more crucial than ever. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

It is often said that blessings are not merely given or received, but discovered. If you fail to recognize the worth of what you already possess, you may overlook its significance, even if it is genuinely offered by someone. Value arises from comparison; yet a person’s sense of worth must originate from within. It is essential to cultivate self-esteem in order to appreciate and take pride in your own possessions, rather than measuring yourself against others. Only then can you establish the right values... - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer. I have often imagined what the world would be like if he were alive now. But how can we control our deaths? I certainly believe that there are some things that humans cannot intervene in. Whether we call it fate or luck, I think meeting a beloved spouse is also part of this, although we choose the spouse with our intentions. Some people believe that a person has been chosen and loved, but beyond that decision, I ponder whether there is a power with which humans cannot intervene... - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”