Joseph's "Just My Thoughts"

Wagons are believed to have been first created in western Asia around 3500 BC. Initially, because the wheels were disc-shaped, they were pulled by cattle due to their heaviness. However, after the invention of spoke wheels, horses could pull the wagons because they were lighter. Naturally, there was a big difference between the speed of a wagon pulled by cattle and one pulled by a horse. This led to a decrease in travel time. A minor adjustment to the spoke design sparked a significant change in human civilization. Nearly all innovations start small, but even the tiniest change can have enormous consequences. Many unseen factors contribute to this innovation in our lives. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

An important aspect of understanding your business ecosystem is knowing your position within it (positioning), whether you hold a higher or lower (subordinate) role, and whether your offerings are substitutes or complements. Netflix started as a DVD rental service. With the rise of online streaming, Netflix saw it as a replacement for DVD rentals. Kimbap and Ramen are complementary goods, but Ramen and Udon are substitutes. This is why, even when setting up a snack bar, paying attention to the menu is crucial. Complementary goods increase sales, while substitutes are more likely to lead to no change or even a decline in sales. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The number of gas stations along the road decreases as vehicle mileage increases. If you do not understand your business ecosystem and only manage it diligently, the consequences will stay with you. A gas station is a subordinate part of a car. Therefore, changes in car performance have a ripple effect on many related industries. I must constantly monitor and study the ecosystem in which I operate my business and decide how to respond when changes happen. The shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles also impacts gas stations. The world is changing rapidly right now. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Whether cryptocurrency or NFT, a digital asset operates on the blockchain system. A blockchain is simply a ‘book of transactions.’ The great advantage of this ‘trade ledger’ is that it enables ‘credit transactions.’ The most important aspect of a credit transaction is a ‘book’ that proves whether the payment has not yet been made or has been paid in full. Blockchain is a system that makes this ‘ledger’ unchangeable and immune to theft. In other words, the nature and properties of digital assets today are more similar to ‘bonds.’ When someone steals the ‘ledger’ in a ‘credit transaction,’ everything disappears unless a copy exists. If the recorded transactions in the ledger are a means of payment, it is called ‘currency,’ and if it’s ‘art’ or ‘content,’ it’s called ‘NFT.’ They differ only in what they represent, despite sharing similar properties. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Thinking of love and hate, honesty and dishonesty as extensions of myself helps shape how I build relationships and how I act. The truest honesty I show to others is reflected in how I extend honesty to myself and share it with them. Those who are not honest with themselves are also not honest with others. If I don’t forgive myself, my hatred for others also fosters negative feelings within me. I can accept others in myself just as much as I accept myself. My well-being always comes first, with others coming second. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When you’re in a relationship, you shouldn’t judge the person based on how they treat you or others, but rather on how they treat themselves. Because when someone treats themselves well, they are unlikely to deceive themselves. This is also because, even if they do deceive themselves, you can often see the flaws in their contradictions in their appearance. Self-development and building relationships all begin within oneself. What I think of myself is the most important benchmark in my life. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Cryptocurrency is traded through a system called blockchain, which involves a ‘sender’ and ‘receiver’ of the transaction record, along with a ‘miner’ who verifies the transaction’s integrity. Essentially, it is a multi-party system that depends on computer hardware known as a server. Running a computer to calculate and validate transactions consumes electricity, and to participate in the blockchain network, the cryptocurrency issuer must pay a fee. This fee effectively reflects electricity costs. Since the blockchain system relies on electricity, the core of cryptocurrency ultimately comes down to energy. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Immunity is a battle between ‘me’ and ‘not me.’ Our brains and bodies are designed to be entirely egocentric. Genes are self-interested because they ensure their own survival. If I don’t exist, then there is no one else and no love. After all, loving others is an extension of loving myself. If there ’ s a distortion or immaturity in self-love, even when loving others, it can leave a scar, and that wound leaves a scar on me again. The victim consciousness forgets this mechanism. Just as immunity is vital for physical health, it’s equally crucial in mental health or religion — the immune system against self-love must remain strong. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

If thinking is categorized practically, it can be broadly split into ‘volitional thinking’ and ‘instrumental thinking.’ Volitional thinking involves the belief that to succeed, a person must have a strong will to overcome hardships and obstacles. Self-improvement falls under this category. However, to actually overcome hardships and obstacles, it is instrumental thinking that drives us to consider that we need ‘tools’ to get past them. In other words, it’s like how carpenters build houses: they construct the structure, but tools are what make it possible. There is no carpenter without tools. Both are essential for success, but if I had to emphasize one, focusing on instrumental thinking is more advantageous. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

When building a wall with stones, the large stones are stacked, the small stones are filled in the gaps, and the spaces between the stones are filled with smaller stones and the final layer of sand. Although the elements that make up the wall vary in size, their roles are fixed, and each performs its part. None of them is useless. Management is the act of bringing together different characteristics and harmonizing them into one. There is no one worse than me; there is only me who ignores others. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

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”

In the Middle Ages, due to high illiteracy rates, paintings often served as the main medium of communication. Today, media communicates through monitor screens and their pixels. Pixels are rectangular dots created by hardware that combine to form text or images. Currently, the pixel is the smallest unit of media communication. Cryptopunks, NFTs created by Canadian software developers Matt Hall and John Watkinson in 2017, are images composed of rough-resolution pixels. Although their value has increased due to their historical significance, ‘Cryptopunk #7523’ from the series was sold for $11,754,000 at Sotheby’s auction on June 10, 2021, because it conveyed rarity and history through its rough pixelation. This NFT, which utilizes square pixels as a tool, conveys a similar concept to Lego blocks, which are meant to be constructed with blocks. In media, messages are created, distributed, and valued based on the nature of the expression tool. The tool is the message. - Joseph’s “just my th...

Demand > supply = price increases, demand < supply = price decreases. We all know that the laws of supply and demand set prices. This rule also applies to stock trading; however, there is a high probability of error when using this rule to judge the volume balance of buy/sell stocks in the limit order book. The key factor is the ‘remaining volume (balance).’ The volumes of stocks listed on the limit order book are meant for trading, but traders can manipulate some of the specified prices for illegal purposes. Additionally, in an uptrend, the seller submits a higher price, and the transaction is not executed immediately. Conversely, in a downtrend, the buyer sets a price to buy at a lower price, allowing the unsold balance to accumulate. In the limit order book, the principle works in reverse. Of course, it cannot be applied 100% in every case. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

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”

Since air is an essential element for survival, its value is infinitely high; however, because it can be obtained anywhere, its price is effectively zero. Nevertheless, pure 100% oxygen is rare and can have a price. The distinction between value and price is important, but many people don’t understand how they differ. Exclusivity of supply is necessary to assign a price to something’s value. Exclusivity means only you can supply it, and people can only buy from you. Time also makes exclusivity. That is the message that you cannot buy it without now. Universality creates value, and scarcity creates price, thereby placing a value on that value. But these two contradict each other. Wealth is always built on contradictions. That’s why business and investment can be so challenging. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The key to getting along isn’t with people, but with time . Time shapes both individuals and the environment. And the scariest phrase is, “This too shall pass!” As time goes on, good fortune can become a curse, and misfortune can turn into good luck. Therefore, nothing is more important than the ‘now’ when it comes to pursuing happiness . - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Existing economics teaches us that mankind invented the monetary system because barter was inconvenient. Despite having a monetary system, people still felt that even currency issued by it was inconvenient; therefore, economists explain that they created the current credit economy system . However, evidence found by anthropologists contradicts that explanation. In other words, it is argued that the credit transaction system existed before the monetary system, and then the credit system became distrusted for some reason. As a result, the monetary system was created and eventually replaced. Cryptocurrency today is a mathematical algorithm that makes it impossible to forge or alter transaction records. This happened because we don’t trust humans, and in ancient times, there was a more advanced credit transaction system. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the present is more advanced than the past. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Wealth can only be accumulated when ownership is secured by humans. Debt is a relative concept that stems from ownership and establishes the idea that others’ property must be returned to the original owner. Debts are useful when managed properly, but they also come with the burden of repayment. The obligation to return others’ property is rooted in human morality , which is ultimately linked to the foundation of economic activity . Living with good people is a crucial factor in achieving wealth. Therefore, people come before money. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

It is said that men put their words in their hearts, and women put their hearts in their words. Men simply want to present the facts, while women seek empathy. Men speak to solve problems , but women talk to relieve their minds . Although the language used is the same, the grammar of the mind works is often different. Even if their expressions differ, both are necessary; because they are different, we don’t need to build walls. It’s hard, but accepting ‘difference’ opens up a new world. Therefore, the first step to happiness is communication. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

1 + 1 = 2 is an unchangeable mathematical fact. However, in real life, there is a synergistic effect that can make the calculation result 3 or more. Therefore, even though we believe and accept certain axioms , there may be cases where they do not always hold true in extraordinary circumstances. One such case is the belief that reason exists as the opposite of emotion . Perhaps reason is not the opposite of emotion, but rather a part of it or a different form of emotion. How can we classify reason and emotion? The reason we recognize might actually be logic that originates from emotions. There is certainly a concept called ‘reason,’ but its true nature may be unknown to us. Ultimately, emotions will likely dominate our existence. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

People recognize that perfection is a worthwhile trait, and everyone strives for it. However, humans cannot attain perfection, and we must admit that pursuing it can cause major setbacks. Imperfection and immaturity often make others more empathetic. No matter how excellent or meaningful something is, if a person rejects it, it won’t be helpful. The empty space in a picture provides us with relaxation and comfort. Nobody likes stress . Children are seen as adorable and lovable because their surroundings are spacious and clean. Emotions flow into empty space. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

If you’re alone on an uninhabited island, you don’t need money; you only need resources and labor to process those resources for survival . In other words, there’s no need for an exchange-based economy . The exchange of goods led to the development of an economic system that dramatically increases efficiency and productivity. The monetary system was created because society consists of many people living together. To facilitate exchange, value had to be measured, and a price assigned to that value. The foundation of wealth is built on production and exchange . We all rely on others to survive. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

According to author and leadership consultant Simon Sinek , our brains don’t understand the concept of negativity . For example, giving a negative command to yourself, “Don’t think of elephants!” doesn’t mean you don’t think about elephants; instead, it emphasizes thinking about elephants. It means that “do this!” rather than a negative command of “don’t do it!” leads to a behavior-oriented change in humans. If you use negative expressions when asking or begging someone, you are likely to be rejected or fail. “Eat at the table!” is more likely to result in cleaning the house than “Don’t eat on the sofa!” - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

There are two main ways humans can generate income: sales power and volatility . Added value is continuously created through production, which involves actions to generate this added value . By adding new layers of value to basic ones, additional value is created—for example, making bread from wheat flour. The ability to persuade someone to buy this added value is known as sales power. Therefore, VAT is a tax paid by the final consumer. When sales power is strong, a significant amount of added value remains, leading to wealth accumulation . The second method is volatility. We can buy and sell assets that create either fundamental or added value. The former includes items like gold or commodities , while the latter refers to companies and assets such as stocks . Volatility occurs because prices fluctuate based on the sales power of producers, creating added value, and the balance between supply and demand for assets. Warren Buffett has avoided investing in gold because it cannot ge...

The dew is small, but because of its transparent, convex lens -like shape, it captures everything around it in that tiny water droplet. The fact that such a small size can contain so much information is truly astonishing. Sometimes size matters, but material and shape are often more important. If your bowl is small, don’t be discouraged; it’s better to focus on the material and shape. Greatness makes no excuses. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

As a family, there are things we can do and things we cannot do. According to the level of intimacy, actions that are appropriate and those that are not are classified based on the type or nature of the relationship. Our actions are limited by relationships . Relationships influence behavior. Ignoring this is called ‘ immorality .’ It is foolish to believe we can do everything by our will. Human beings are destined to do what is proper within a relationship and avoid what should not be done. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

We usually measure ‘ value ’ in terms of ‘ price .’ Value is an abstract concept , and price is a number expressed in terms of value. Value is an economic concept , and price is an accounting concept . The problem is that the price in terms of value is not always the same as the price. Of course, the same value differs depending on the situation and also varies according to the values and beliefs of the person who recognizes it. This deviation is detrimental to some and beneficial to others. Facts are unscientific phenomena that circumstances create. Therefore, insight into the situation is a valuable ability in any case in this world. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The good is the state of maintaining goodness itself, not the elimination of evil, and vice versa. Many see “ maintenance of state ” as proof of existence or non-existence. NO! Failing to maintain the state doesn’t create a new event; it simply allows the opposite to manifest. A single dichotomy can’t judge good and evil. Even in the Bible , it states that separating and removing the wheat and weeds can only happen when a singularity (harvest time, judgment day ) occurs. Therefore, energy is needed to sustain a specific state until that singularity arrives. Energy comes from outside. Relationships with others are divided into those where energy is lost and those where energy is gained. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Algorithms are the foundation of how a system functions. A system is a large structure where each component is connected by a specific energy that forms relationships, and the entire system moves in a set direction. Understanding an algorithm provides insight into the system, how it operates, and its overall direction. However, creating an algorithm requires the system creator to take a risk and pay a price for the entire system. That’s why designing an algorithm isn’t easy, even though using one is simple. Once an algorithm is developed, system members become reliant on it. The way to break this reliance is to either discard the algorithm or develop a new one. Knowing which system you belong to and how it functions is extremely important. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

People say that to succeed, you have to break the frame . But how do you break the frame when you’ve never been locked inside one? Instead, words and actions should be confined within the framework of ‘ consistency ’ so that the beginning and the end match, earning trust from others. A person grows only when small, essential parts of daily routines are kept within the frame of ‘repetition (routine)’ and the rest are prioritized accordingly. Confining yourself to a specific frame means earning trust through consistency, being recognized for dignity , and developing a routine. This is the process of proving your existence in society. Only after being confined within a frame can you break the big one, elevating life to a new level. That is truly breaking the frame. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”