Skip to main content

Posts

Just my thoughts #0261

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...

Just my thoughts #0239

The world is structured so that when individuals can’t fulfill their needs alone, they each contribute their strengths. In essence, professionalism stems from choice, focus, and persistence. Highly talented individuals often face numerous internal barriers while striving to develop these qualities. This is the curse of talent, caused by the wide variety of available choices. When one engages in diverse activities and achieves success, rejection takes precedence over choice. Varied talents serve as the primary fuel for conflict. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0238

There’s a saying that after a flood, no water is left to drink. Those who see this as a metaphor grasp that it signifies that “usefulness” outweighs “quantity.” In contrast, literal interpreters might invest in stocks for “mineral water” due to an anticipated rise in demand for bottled water post-flood. This illustrates how interpretation and action can diverge significantly. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0237

Online sales have surpassed offline sales as a result of the global pandemic. Nowadays, people are purchasing signals instead of tangible items. The online environment is a web of signals. If the signal presented by the interface is not trustworthy, purchasing is not possible. For a long time, stocks have been traded based on signals that represent rights without requiring physical stock certificates. The same principle applies to gold. The challenge arises because both the tangible item and the signal react based on their value, but human greed leads to an oversupply of signals. This happens because creating a signal is much simpler than producing the actual item. The fundamental issue is that the signal serves as a representation of the tangible item. When there are more signals than tangible items, this discrepancy is termed a “bubble.” In offline contexts, signals are known as “cash.” Essentially, money is just a signal, and “trust” is crucial for believing in that signal. - Joseph...

Just my thoughts #0236

Identifying my existence prompts the question: how can I prove it? We can define existence in biological terms, but first, we must approach it philosophically. This is achieved through the concept of a “statement.” The expressions “I am OO” or “you are OO” serve as philosophical assertions rather than scientific proof. If we dismiss the significance and authority of these statements, we encounter numerous problems and discomfort, as they lead me to doubt everyone I encounter. Statements are the fundamental components of a narrative. They delineate existence, with definitions articulated through sentences that create the story’s context. This entire framework is referred to as a “narrative.” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0235

I believe that humans’ key activities are discovery and imagination. Humans grow through thought, which involves gathering information from the exploration of nature and society and organizing it meaningfully. Progress occurs when we connect with and apply this information beyond its immediate relevance, and this process of connection is termed imagination. Discovery serves as the foundational material for imagination, while imagination generates new outcomes through application, leading to development. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Just my thoughts #0234

Every day, I examine the world map. When I zoom in, the map reveals a world I have yet to discover. There are countless unknown places on this planet that I have not experienced. By observing the geography, countries, and attractions, I can learn about history and broaden my perspective on the world. Looking at the map prompts me to reconsider space, time, and culture. For instance, in the Bering Strait, Big Diomede Island belongs to Russia, while Little Diomede Island is part of the United States, and the distance between them is only 3.7 kilometers. The International Date Line passes between these two islands. Even if we were to cross the distance by ship, it would take about 9 minutes at a speed of 15 knots. However, after those 9 minutes, we would find ourselves a full 21 hours behind. This situation illustrates that time is more of a human agreement than a mere physical measurement. Ultimately, learning and personal development are fueled by continuous questioning and doubt.  ...

Just my thoughts #0233

Why were the Beatles born in Liverpool? At the time, it was estimated that there were over 500 bands in the Liverpool area. One reason for this musical explosion is the presence of a U.S. military base at Burtonwood, located 24 kilometers from Liverpool. During World War II, this base provided essential supplies to a war-torn region and served as a conduit for the influx of American popular culture. Historically, wars and military installations have significantly impacted cultural development. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”