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”
As the chef gained fame through broadcasting, restaurant profits actually fell. One would expect higher profits with increased fame; yet, the opposite occurred. The restaurant’s original profit model relied on multi-course meals, but the broadcasts focused on just one or two popular dishes. While customer numbers surged, the average price per order decreased. Additionally, costs associated with running a restaurant have risen due to the influx of patrons. The influence of social media is leading to an increasing number of celebrities; yet, their true feelings can be quite complex. Achieving fame can be surprisingly detrimental. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”