The medieval church forbade usury and claimed that usurers went to hell. However, as the feudal system of the Middle Ages declined and merchants emerged as an emerging power, usury businesses amassed enormous wealth. Usurers donated their corrupt wealth to monasteries, and when they died, they could be buried there. It was a bonus that the donor usurer could receive the sacrament of confession shortly before death. Fear of the afterlife caused poor churches to accumulate wealth, used to decorate walls or build larger, more elaborate structures, leading to the Renaissance era. The unjust usury business sparked a literary and artistic revival. Let go of the illusion that only good things can change the world for the better or the right. The innocence of ignorance about how the world works makes it easier to accept sin and corrupts the world into evil. - 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”