jwb

How did the geographic barriers determine that? Presumably the geographic barriers of Europe have remained constant for as long as civilization has existed. Why only so recently did they lead to such global domination by Europe?

jwb

... which would have been true for the last 10,000 years as well

so why only recently did that result in global european domination?

jwb

They knew about the old world. They knew about the Islamic world which for a time was much more powerful than they were. They knew about the Mongols who had the most expansive empire of all time. They knew about the Chinese who were also much richer and more powerful than the west not too long ago.

jwb

That's possible... I have to admit to me it's still an open question since I don't have a detailed enough understanding of the history involved... I haven't read Guns Germs and Steel but what you're describing sounds similar to what I understand is proposed in that book. I know there are also people who criticize his theory but like I said I'm not that well versed in the specifics.

It seems like any way you slice it though you still have to admit that industrialization is what actually allows for our modern lifestyle. Maybe European colonialism predates and helped create the conditions for Europe specifically to lead the way in industrialization, but domination alone never would've produced this kind of wealth. The industrial revolution started in the 1700s. Yes Europe was rich then... Compared to other places at the time. But nowhere near the kind of wealth that defines our modern lifestyle.

We were talking about how even the homeless in this country can find food. That certainly wasn't as true in the 1700s and it still isn't true in most of the world today. Or how infant mortality dropped drastically. Or how electricity, running water, properly constructed shelter, transportation, and even communications devices like cell phones are pretty much taken for granted in the first world. All of that is very recent. Not at all the normal conditions humans have historically lived under. And not at all possible without said innovations in science, engineering and the industrialized production of goods.

Raime

I just want to say, **** you to the person putting "The Media Lies" on every ****ing stop sign in my area. It's surface level woke stoner infowars bull****, and I'm sick of these people thinking they know how the world works, and that everything is a conspiracy. I just want to see them break down knowing that chaos is a part of life, and there isn't always a reason for every bad thing that happens. You aren't any smarter than the average person, if anything, you're pretty god damn dim.

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jwb

There was one of those feminist signs with the riveting broad with her muscle arm showing that said "We can do it!" Near downtown. I drew a Hitler mustache on her with a sharpie.

adidasss

The worst thing about screaming devil children are the parents who don't give two shits about the effect their spawn of satan child is having on other people.

Went to have a haircut and some genius couple decided to take their kid with them to have theirs. Who naturally started screaming its head off. Finally after about 10 minutes of this one of the stylists had to ask the mother if she can maybe go downstairs and wait somewhere else.

So it took an intervention of someone else to make her realize maybe the other 20 people in the salon didn't particularly enjoy being stuck in an enclosed space while listening to the hysterics of her kid and that it might in fact be ruining everyone's day!!

HatehateHATE inconsiderable people!!

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adidasss

SO on day 12 out of 14 of mandatory jail I mean quarantine in Malaysia, got my SECOND PCR test back today, negative. Asked if I can be released early since there is no possible sense in keeping me locked up for the full 14 days. Got a flat no. Sorry. Why, nobody knows.

Can't argue with authorities here since who knows what might happen but it is really dispiriting when you're faced with the unthinking, unempathizing wall of bureaucracy in underdeveloped countries.

Oh well. 45 more hours to go.

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Trollheart

Seriously now, that's just stupid. You want to come out early and maybe risk not being clear, after spending all that time in quarantine; you want it to have been for nothing? Grow a pair. We've had to essentially quarantine here in Ireland for ****ing MONTHS - I think two weeks is not too much to ask to ensure you don't get really sick, die, or pass the virus on. The science is there for a reason. They don't arbitrarily choose a number of days and say "oh yeah that will do".

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

adidasss

Wow you're annoying.

What the actual fuck are you talking about?? You've essentially had to quarantine where? In your house? What the fuck do you know about quarantining in a small hotel room for 2 weeks??

I have done 3 PCR tests in the past 2 weeks, there is absolutely ZERO chance I have Covid. There is no sense in keeping me locked up. The virus doesn't work that way.

Oh and btw, who is being protected here? Malaysia has 17k per day, if anyone's in danger here, it's me not Malaysians!! Give me a break.

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“Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle.

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