The ice does not sink; it floats on the water. Water and ice, which are the same substance in different states, can be regarded as fundamentally the same material; yet, they have entirely different effects in practical applications. Many things in the world are the same yet different. Just as a cat likes mice but doesn’t love them, likes and loves are distinct concepts. We often overlook that these subtle differences can lead to significant results. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Rice has been the staple crop of the East, while wheat has been the staple of the West. Rice requires more water to produce than wheat. Rice farmers had to contend with the availability of water, which favored collective farming. Wheat could be grown with less labor than rice. Rice farmers lived collectively, while wheat farmers lived individually. Collective agriculture led to the development of societies that were governed by village rules. On the other hand, individual agriculture led to cultures that valued personal freedom and respect for individuality over communal rules. Patterns of agriculture have indisputably influenced social structure and culture. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”