<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:cc="http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/creativeCommonsRssModule.html">
    <channel>
        <title><![CDATA[Stories by Joy on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by Joy on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@tyagijaul881?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
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            <title>Stories by Joy on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@tyagijaul881?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
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        <generator>Medium</generator>
        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 22:34:47 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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        <webMaster><![CDATA[yourfriends@medium.com]]></webMaster>
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            <title><![CDATA[The System We Created]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/illumination/the-system-we-created-087755446f6d?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/087755446f6d</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[social-and-community]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 04:41:29 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-30T04:41:29.459Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Freedom, Morality, and the Endless Race for Power</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*QoYkfSZqtzVjpXNb" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@biancablah?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Bianca Ackermann</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>I have a hobby, like most people, of watching movies and series from different genres and languages for entertainment, enjoyment, and learning.</p><p>I believe that movies tell us about the culture and society of the country where they are made and provide insight in one of the most effective ways.</p><p>Every movie or show has a lead character who believes in ethics and values in their own way. Most of the time, it depends on how the show portrays people on screen. Some characters are portrayed directly, while others are portrayed indirectly. A person may appear corrupt, but in reality, they are not.</p><p>There is also another type of character — the villain or negative character — who does not believe in ethics and values and is harmful to society in some way. This is true in most movies, though not all.</p><p>Through these stories, we often see problems that exist in real societies, such as corruption, abuse of power, and inequality. These issues are not limited to fiction; they are challenges faced by countries around the world.</p><p>It is a bit strange that most countries face similar problems: money controls society, police officers take bribes, lawyers protect criminals, and politicians are often corrupt or dishonest.</p><p>However, the level of corruption differs from country to country. Some countries have higher levels, while others have lower levels.</p><p>These things show us that the system we created, known as democracy, has loopholes. This modern system was achieved through the struggles and sacrifices of many people over centuries.</p><p>Many people died to achieve a free system where power is controlled, and everyone has equal status in society.</p><p><strong>Can this system be changed? Back then</strong></p><p>In the past, people suffered under monarchy systems. They believed democracy would be better and more helpful because power could be distributed equally and anyone could hold power.</p><p>But now we understand that politics often becomes a game of power. People can do anything to gain power and never want to lose it.</p><p>Even so, there is still no system better than democracy. We have not found a perfect alternative because perhaps none exists. Instead of replacing the system, we must continue refining it. We must focus on the moral values and intentions of the people who seek power.</p><p>This system could become the best system if everyone acted with ethics and values instead of greed, greed for money, or greed for power. If people were honest with each other and cared about others, the world could become a better place for everyone, although achieving this is very difficult.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>During the era of monarchy and kings, people believed democracy was the best form of government because it was meant to be “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Everyone was supposed to be equal, without special treatment for anyone.</p><p>However, today many people have joined the race for money and power. In the process, they forget the ethics and values that gave us this freedom in the first place.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=087755446f6d" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/illumination/the-system-we-created-087755446f6d">The System We Created</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/illumination">ILLUMINATION</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Leeches, Bloodletting, and Placebos: 5 Quack Cures That Actually Worked]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@tyagijaul881/leeches-bloodletting-and-placebos-5-quack-cures-that-actually-worked-628634337913?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/628634337913</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[wellness]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[healing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[history]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[healthcare]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 04:33:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-30T04:33:01.140Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Strange remedies once dismissed as medical nonsense sometimes contained a grain of truth — and a few even helped shape modern medicine.</h4><p>In the modern world, we have many tools and methods to cure diseases, but in the past, many strange methods also cured them. Now, people may laugh at those methods, but they can still work. Below are 5 strange quack methods that might still work</p><ol><li><strong>Leeches: a torture method or a cure device</strong></li></ol><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*1FMm-Ti17k6x8AV3" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@erfanfeyzi?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Erfan Feizi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Most people are shocked when they learn that leeches, which drain human blood, can be used to treat any type of disease. Until 1800, physicians used leeches to cure everything from headaches to hysteria.</p><p>It is a method for extracting blood or improving blood circulation in any area of the human body.</p><p>In 1900, this method was remarked as a barbaric method and banned from use. Still, in 2004, the FDA (Food and Drug Department, USA) claimed that medical leeches are not a harmful method, even though it’s a natural method to extract excessive blood and blood clots.</p><p>They produce a protein that stops blood clotting — and this gives tiny veins time to knit themselves back together.</p><p>Many famous hospitals still use this method and give contract farmers medical leeches.</p><h3>2. Bloodletting</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*R9lynwWVStyi2mdu" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mcgilllibrary?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">McGill Library</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>In 1799, America’s first president, George Washington, died due to most of his blood being drained by the method of bloodletting. After that, people seem to think it&#39;s a useless method and abandon this method.</p><p>Before that, it&#39;s a 2000-year-old method and the most common method to cure many diseases. In that method, a physician cuts the vein through lancets and applies leeches to drain the blood.</p><p>It used to balance bodily fluids or humors.</p><ul><li><strong>Why it actually works for</strong></li></ul><p>When modern scientists found it illogical or an unproven reason given by the ancient people, they found the actual disease to use it, even today.</p><p>Hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder in which the human body stores too much iron, removing blood from the body to help maintain iron levels.</p><p>It is also used in Polycythemia Vera, a bone marrow disease that causes the body to produce too many red blood cells.</p><p><strong>3. Maggot therapy</strong></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*fKuzc5RhNe4vVLzg" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@your_scorpion?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Max Tcvetkov</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>A century-old bio method, in which a lab raises maggots or larvae placed on non-healing wounds, they eat necrotic and infected tissue, and leave the healthy tissue to grow.</p><p>It is used widely during World War 2 when people need to recover fast to fight back.</p><p>FDA cleared to use it today, for like diabotic patient when their wound is taking too much time to heal or is not healing.</p><p><strong>4. Trepanation</strong></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*NkgZwC42MkpyvYn6" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@europeana?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Europeana</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p><strong>O</strong>ne of the oldest surgical methods, which involved drilling a hole in the head to treat traumatic head injuries, several headaches, and mystical rituals like releasing evil spirits from the brain.</p><p>With this surgery, approx 40% people save out of 100 based on the latest research, which was conducted when some skulls were found with holes.</p><p>A craniotomy is a modern trepanation in which neurosurgeons drill burr holes to relieve pressure from the brain, bleeding, and swelling.</p><p><strong>5. Placebos</strong></p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*sWwruTdMC_ZteR5Z" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@juliazolotova?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Julia Zolotova</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>A psychological phenomenon where patients take a fake pill which is not cure anything, and patients believe that this pill cure his disease and it does.</p><p>fMRI (functional MRI) shows that it releases dopamine and endorphin, a pleasure hormone, because people thinks it&#39;s a real medicine.</p><p>A placebo pill worked on your belief system when you believed it worked. Most of the time, it worked.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>In the past, these treatments were among the best treatments, but now they are extinct. This is the time, the thing is important now, in the future it might not be necessary.</p><p>When we know about our history, especially in the medical field when we understand how we reach today’s medical field, it talks about the struggle of mankind. Every achievement we have made is the hard work of many people</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=628634337913" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Will AI Kill Art?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/illumination/will-ai-kill-art-099476d97187?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/099476d97187</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[artist]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[ai]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[world]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[artificial-intelligence]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 14:37:01 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-27T14:37:01.627Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>AI and Human Creativity in the Modern Era</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*Fft18JzeC9vfcran" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alexshuperart?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Alex Shuper</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Art is a million-year-old skill that has shaped human civilization; people created cave paintings during the caveman era, and they are still visible in ancient caves.</p><p>There was a time when people believed that art was unique and creative work that could not be learned through practice. They thought that only artists were born with this talent.</p><p>But now, anybody in the world who knows about AI can become an artist and create any type of artwork, write, paint, illustrate, or make animations.</p><p>People respect artwork because it reflects an individual’s imagination, thoughts, and skills. It makes a person different from others and helps them live a respectful life in society.</p><p>In ancient times, before the Renaissance, ordinary people were tortured by kings and the higher class. People began to question their power when scholars expressed their own thoughts and imagination through writing, which influenced the masses and eventually helped shape the modern world we live in today.</p><p>Art has helped humans throughout history in many forms. Through art, we can see sculptures, portraits, and paintings that are millions of years old, showing us how people looked and lived in the past.</p><h3>Ai-Da — Humanoid Robot Artist</h3><p>According to some reports, the market for AI-generated artwork has grown rapidly in the past two years. Ai-Da is an example of this growth. It was created by Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art in the UK, in collaboration with a team of engineers.</p><p>Ai-Da created a portrait of King Charles III like a skilled artist. Later, she participated in cultural exhibitions and many other art exhibitions.</p><p>She is an example of how AI has entered the creative field and is competing with humans in creativity.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>There was a time when creativity was considered a gift possessed by only a few humans, but now AI has entered this field. It is a crucial time for art and artists.</p><p>But a true artist is never afraid of change. We should accept AI and use it as a benefit for modern art while finding new ways to preserve and develop human creativity.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=099476d97187" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/illumination/will-ai-kill-art-099476d97187">Will AI Kill Art?</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/illumination">ILLUMINATION</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Thailand vs Vietnam]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@tyagijaul881/thailand-vs-vietnam-4c6737576741?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/4c6737576741</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[tourism]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[travel-writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[nature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 08:30:30 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-19T08:30:30.143Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Cost, Food &amp; Nature Compared</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*8gDAtc6c5qGW25gB" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@leo_visions_?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Leo_Visions</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Vietnam and Thailand are top South Asian travel destinations, offering excellent food, beaches, scenery, and relaxing environments. Both attract first-time tourists. Your choice depends on your preferences. The following facts will help you decide.</p><p><strong>Cost Comparison</strong></p><p>Money is among the first concerns when planning travel. Is the trip affordable? Can you visit a great destination for less?</p><p>In that case, Vietnam is cheaper than Thailand across accommodation, food, and other activities. Minimum cost for a guesthouse room in Vietnam in a smaller town is 10–15 USD per night, while in Thailand it costs 15–25 USD per night. Food in the street and local restaurants in Vietnam is 2–5 USD per meal compared to 3–8 USD per meal in Thailand.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*r5oD2ntAkrvxI97O" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@terence_sans?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Terence Sandeep</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p><strong>​</strong></p><h3>Nature</h3><p>Natural beauty is the prime motive of tourists to travel to Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand gives you top visuals of landscape, beautiful beaches, national parks, and misty mountains, while Vietnam gives you the misty mountains of the north, limestone formation Ha Long Bay, vast caves, stunning beaches, and many others.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*_73OT_hdamfr7WUF" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@nu_panuson?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Panuson Norkaew</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>​</p><h3>Food culture</h3><p>Both countries geographically belong to South Asia, but huge differences in food culture. Thai cuisine masterfully balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes, creating dishes that are both bold and harmonious, while Vietnam’s food culture is deeply rooted in freshness, balance, and regional diversity.</p><p>The use of fish sauce, lime, and chili creates a harmony of salty, sour, and spicy flavors.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*uP66C89tnVkAg3_l" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@nganduong93?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Duong Ngan</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>​</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>​</p><p>Other things that matter how their citizens treat foreigners and how they behave when they see foreigners, how people treat female tourists; in that case, both countries are safe and secure</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=4c6737576741" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[4 Regrets in Teenage Life That Can Destroy Your Future]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/illumination/4-regrets-in-teenage-life-that-can-destroy-your-future-15dbc072c6f0?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/15dbc072c6f0</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[habits]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life-lessons]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 04:52:40 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-18T04:52:40.586Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>The painful habits and choices in your teenage years that often lead to regret in young adulthood.</h4><p>Before reaching maturity, the teenage years (13–19) are the most important stage of life because they shape the future. These years can either be wasted and ruined or used wisely to achieve something meaningful, as they build the foundation for young adulthood</p><p>When people reach maturity and understand what is right and wrong, they often start regretting their past, wishing someone had guided or stopped them so their life could have been easier and better. Here are four types of bad habits that can ruin teenage life.</p><h3>Pornography</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*2F15KnEgBKdCP2qb" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@noorvoux?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Frankie Cordoba</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>In today’s world, one thing that is easily accessible and free is the internet. Teenagers find it easily and often find themselves in the world of pornography because it excites them and feels enjoyable. Since their sex hormones are active at this age, they become more curious, and many people get used to it.</p><p>Many teenagers try to quit but often struggle because what started as curiosity becomes dependency. What feels harmless in the beginning can slowly consume valuable time, energy, and confidence.</p><h3>Inferiority Complex</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*P-QQhSi4BbrqgZFy" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@dentrushtin?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Den Trushtin</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>This is a psychological term when an individual or teenager feels weaker than another person. He or she thinks they are not good enough in looks, every see the looks only it matters most to them, but when you grow up, you understand that it never matters how you look; it matters what you achieve.</p><p>It does not matter how you look; just focus on what you want in life. It can be true that some people’s good looks make them popular or gain attention and love without much effort. Just accept it — life cannot be fair, and you understand this better when you reach young adulthood.</p><h3>Smoking or Drinking</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*7h1aAEHR3H0ByCEl" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@dominik_kempf?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Dominik Kempf</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>At the age of 13–19, most young people live a stressful life due to pressure from studies and career. To feel relaxed and calm, they start smoking or drinking. At that time, they like it and become used to it. They understand the consequences when they become older and realize that smoking and drinking are very unhealthy for the body and affect the liver, lungs, and many other parts of the body.</p><h3>Relationship</h3><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*VfgAmC-3p6n2ql87" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@withmazar?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Maximus Mazar</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>At this age, our hormones are active, and we are attracted to the opposite gender. We try to love someone who will always be by our side. After getting into a relationship, we think that person is everything, and without him or her, we cannot live.</p><p>Early teenage relationships can ruin your life if they leave you. You may not be able to move on for many years, and then you realize that if someone had guided you earlier, you could have avoided a lot of pain.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>There are many other bad habit but not bad as these fours, unhealthy food we can manage it, people&#39;s judgement did not affect when we become matured</p><p>When we enter adolescence, we feel more powerful and liberal, but this liberty can affect our next and precious years.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=15dbc072c6f0" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/illumination/4-regrets-in-teenage-life-that-can-destroy-your-future-15dbc072c6f0">4 Regrets in Teenage Life That Can Destroy Your Future</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/illumination">ILLUMINATION</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Neo-Feudalism: The Modern Version of an Old System]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/illumination/neo-feudalism-the-modern-version-of-an-old-system-bf27a75d1a4c?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/bf27a75d1a4c</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[real-estate]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[equality]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[lifestyle]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 15:25:21 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-11T15:25:21.545Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Many young people today feel locked out of traditional ownership.</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*d6kPS6bnwuK1cR5o" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jakubzerdzicki?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Jakub Żerdzicki</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>When we see in movies or hear about the past how landlords or kings or higher royal people tortured the ordinary or weaker people, we probably hate them.​</p><p>We realised that it’s so great that we live in a modern world where we can live peaceful lives without fear of powerful or cruel people and get rid of the old system designed to exploit ordinary people.​</p><p>Feudalism, an ancient system exploited by capitalists, is still reflected in today’s practices, raising the question: Are we unknowingly continuing past exploitation?​</p><p>In which the capitalist gives their land to the peasant to take care of the land, and in exchange, they pay rent to the capitalist, no matter what, and the land never belongs to the peasant; it always belongs to the landlords and then their children, making peasants trapped in it forever.</p><p>​</p><h3>The concept of neo-feudalism</h3><p>​</p><p>The Neo feudalism system has emerged recently, illustrating that, like in the past, a bunch of people in human civilization control the social and economic world, which creates a huge difference between the poor and the rich, as in the past.​</p><p>But the method of change is not the land that they rent its technology, apps, and internet, which makes the capitalist richer every day, and people who use them get a bit of satisfaction or happiness, which is an illusion.</p><p>​</p><p>They give most of the things in rent to ordinary people and trap them where they are.</p><ul><li>Housing increasingly owned by large investment firms.</li><li>Uber drivers, DoorDash couriers, Upwork freelancers; 70M+ American gig workers without any healthcare or bargaining power</li><li>Approximately 3 billion people use Facebook and Instagram for fun, making owners rich.</li></ul><h3>Why it meters now</h3><p>Human civilization shipped to the old monarchy system to the new democratic system, by which means the things that happened in the past do not happen in the future, and power in society,</p><p>which can be the root of all problems, can be divided, and nobody can control a huge amount of power in society, which seems to fail, as we know power cannot be divided.</p><p>​</p><p>But now we know power is collected in a few hands that control society.​</p><p>To balance and manage equality, we have to fill the gap between the poor and the rich. About 0.1% top now control more assets than the bottom 90% combined.​</p><p>The Genz did not afford things, and they rented most things, home, transportation, subscription, cloth even furniture through temporary access, not owning anything.</p><p>​</p><p>That’s why people called it neo-feudalism.​</p><h3>How is it different from the past</h3><p>​</p><p>In the past, ordinary people had to bear the pain inflicted by higher people; they did not have a choice but today is different.​</p><ul><li>Anybody in society can become the CEO of any big company, which defies the old rule of a king’s son becoming king.</li><li>But social mobility still works; an individual with talent, education, creativity, and discipline can change his status.</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>​</p><p>People might think this is not true, but when you look around yourself, you realize some people take over society, politicians, billionaires, or millionaires, and the middle class and ordinary people just focus on jobs for stability, as their fathers did, and after their children do it.</p><p>In his book, Joel Kotkin, “<strong>COMING OF NEO FEUDALISM”,</strong> talks about hierarchy and the coming of new feudalism.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=bf27a75d1a4c" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/illumination/neo-feudalism-the-modern-version-of-an-old-system-bf27a75d1a4c">Neo-Feudalism: The Modern Version of an Old System</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/illumination">ILLUMINATION</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[The Good Parenting]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/illumination/the-good-parenting-4d278ef711f7?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/4d278ef711f7</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[parents]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 00:23:29 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-05T00:23:29.139Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>The Balance Between Care, Trust, and Discipline</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*lBWB_lp-IsWcGOCC" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@lunarts?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Volodymyr Hryshchenko</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>There is a boy who lives in my neighborhood. I often see him wandering around at any time of the day. Whenever I notice him, I wonder what kind of parents he has.</p><p>Do they even know where their child goes, whom he spends time with, or what kind of friends he has?</p><p>This makes me think about my own parents. Are they good, even though I used to complain about how strict they were?</p><p>At night, I was not allowed to go outside, and entry into the house was restricted (even though I sometimes tried to sneak in).</p><p>I could not go anywhere without informing my parents. I was not allowed to be friends with people who might influence me negatively. There were many other rules that made my life seem very strict and disciplined.</p><p>In the beginning, I thought they were just being overly controlling. But as I grew older, I started to feel irritated by their strictness.</p><p>My siblings and I often complained and opposed their rules. We would compare ourselves to others and wonder why our parents cared so much about even small things.</p><p>But now, as we grow and understand life better, we realize something important.</p><p><strong>Good parenting is not about control — it is about care</strong></p><p>The unconditional love between parents and their children is one of the most precious relationships.</p><p>Parents are willing to sacrifice anything for their children, even when they are unsure whether their children will care for them in return when they grow old.</p><p>Even knowing that their children might hurt them someday, they continue to love them with the same intensity.</p><p>As children grow older, they may blame their parents, and the bond — especially between a father and son — can sometimes weaken.</p><p>Of course, parents can make mistakes because they are human. They try their best to provide a good environment.</p><p>When they fail, children may feel frustrated and angry. This is natural, because it is not the child’s fault.</p><p>Carelessness in parenting can have long-term effects, as childhood trauma is not easy to heal.</p><p>Every parent has the responsibility to take good care of their children. But the most important thing is to believe in them, support them in every situation, and guide them with love. That is the true sign of good parenting.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=4d278ef711f7" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/illumination/the-good-parenting-4d278ef711f7">The Good Parenting</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/illumination">ILLUMINATION</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Belief]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/pen-with-paper/belief-e32c3d3a6199?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/e32c3d3a6199</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[pen-with-paper]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life-lessons]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[motivation]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 08:44:37 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-03T08:44:37.908Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Where Thought Becomes Truth</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*41i-7UUQ1xy4N-Jf" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sincerelymedia?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Sincerely Media</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Desmond doss, a USA military medic during World War 2, refused to carry any weapon due to his personal reasons; he did not like to hurt or kill people, as he was so religious.​</p><p>Everybody tells him that it’s a war and it’s okay in war to hurt or kill, or you have been killed by someone.​</p><p>Everybody tries to convince him, his senior, his parents, his fellow officers, but nobody convinces him.​</p><p>His fellow army officers bully him verbally and physically, saying, “Are you a saint or something? You show us evil, but it’s our helpless situation.​</p><p>His senior laughed at him and looked down in front of all the army members. They punished him, they gave him a choice: carry a weapon, or face a military court-martial, or leave the army.​</p><p>He refused it, ready to be court-martialed​</p><p>“I joined the army as a medic, it’s not necessary to carry a weapon, everybody has their own beliefs, and my belief does not give me the permission to carry a weapon, which is used to kill”, he said at the court hearing.​</p><p>But the court gave an order to court-martial him.</p><p>​Every time he has a choice to quit his own belief and listen to others, it’s not necessary for him to be punished, but when you believe in your belief, you can be ready to do anything.</p><p>After a struggle and punishment, he joined the army as a medic without carrying a weapon. He saved 75 comrades’ officers when they were hurt in fighting on a ridge.</p><p>​Everyone is against you in a situation, even when you doubt yourself. Am I right? But believe in yourself and your belief, which leads to a great win.​</p><p>☕ If my words made you feel something…a smile, a thought, a tiny ache — you can <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/jaultyagi">buy me a Coffee</a></p><p>It keeps my heart full and my stories flowing.</p><p><strong>We are finally on social media.. Come say hi…</strong></p><p><strong><em>Subscribe </em></strong><em>and </em><strong><em>follow </em></strong><em>our official social handles on </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/penwithpaperpub"><strong><em>Instagram </em></strong></a><strong><em>| </em></strong><a href="https://x.com/penwithpaperpub"><strong><em>X </em></strong></a><strong><em>| </em></strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584630580257#"><strong><em>Facebook</em></strong></a><em>.</em></p><p><em>Feel free to </em><strong><em>mention</em></strong><em> / </em><strong><em>tag</em></strong><em> us on these </em><strong><em>social</em></strong><em> platforms whenever you want to </em><strong><em>promote</em></strong><em> or </em><strong><em>collaborate</em></strong><em> on your content. We love watching </em><strong><em>you</em></strong><em> </em><strong><em>grow</em></strong><em> with this </em><strong><em>community.</em></strong></p><p><em>This story published on “</em><a href="https://medium.com/pen-with-paper"><strong><em>Pen With Paper</em></strong></a><strong><em>”</em></strong><em> — a fresh space where writers bring their thoughts, stories, and ideas to life. </em><strong><em>Want to share your voice? </em></strong><em>Join our community, and together, “</em><strong><em>We Elevate Your Stories”</em></strong></p><p><a href="https://medium.com/pen-with-paper/pen-with-paper-submission-guidelines-2026-a-brand-new-way-to-be-added-as-a-writer-e9a7682c8fca">Pen With Paper Submission Guidelines 2026 : A Brand New Way to Be Added as a Writer</a></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e32c3d3a6199" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/pen-with-paper/belief-e32c3d3a6199">Belief</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/pen-with-paper">Pen With Paper</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Is Two Times Two Really Four?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@tyagijaul881/is-two-times-two-really-four-90aa901c87ba?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/90aa901c87ba</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life-lessons]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 08:50:53 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-05-02T08:50:53.117Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Questioning What We’ve Always Been Told</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*bdaogqwtLTLQxcU9" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@photo_blob?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Kin Shing Lai</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>I was standing in the class row during the assembly prayer. The teacher came in front of the whole school and asked everyone,</p><p>“Why is two multiplied by two equal to four?”</p><p>I started thinking — <em>is that really a question?</em></p><p>The whole school was surprised by this question. Everyone answered that it is because we multiply the numbers.</p><p>But then the question came — why not three or five? Why is it four?</p><p>The teacher also asked, “Why does two always come after one?” Everyone was confused and thought the teacher had lost her mind.</p><p>Many students gave different answers, but the teacher was not convinced by any of them.</p><p>Then someone said, “It’s because it comes from the past — we just follow what people have taught us.”</p><p>Okay, we receive knowledge from people and from the past. But is everything we have been told in the past accurate?</p><p>My teacher said, “Always question your knowledge. Ask why things are the way they are.</p><p>Just because something comes from previous generations does not mean it is right.</p><p>Ask why people did it, and why you are doing it.”</p><p>“Do not follow the majority — follow the right path.”</p><p>Why do flowers bloom?</p><p>Why do people choose certain careers? Am I fit for it?</p><p>Why do people look down on someone — is he really good or bad?</p><p>Question your beliefs and society. Do not blindly follow trends or the crowd.</p><p>Every belief has its own story.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=90aa901c87ba" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[The Power]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/be-open/the-power-af20d30960a7?source=rss-8df4abed257c------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/af20d30960a7</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life-lessons]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Joy]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:45:27 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-04-22T02:05:35.070Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>The Illusion of Strength and the Reality of Values</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*BBATwKxbeMNfsEIM" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@elico5?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Elise Coates</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>“If God has power, He is not good; if He is good, He is not powerful.”</p><p>Because power makes you evil — this quote comes from a Batman movie and is also attributed to an ancient Greek philosopher.</p><p>We always talk about good and evil, but good people have not dominated the world. It is the powerful individuals who dominate society or countries.</p><p>In the past, people did not question this much because power was always in the same hands. A king’s son would become king, and a slave would remain a slave.</p><p>Then ethics developed, perhaps through independent thinkers and philosophers who began questioning everything.</p><p>As time passed, people continued questioning, and power began to divide.</p><p>Everyone tries to gain as much power as possible, even if they have to do anything for it.</p><p>There is an old painting, Saturn Devouring His Son, an artwork in which a father eats his son out of fear that his power will be taken from him.</p><p>This shows how much power can corrupt.</p><p>In simple terms, a man who is physically weak may try to show everyone that he has strength and power. To do this, he may use a gun or other means to gain power.</p><p>They display this power mainly to those who are weaker than them.</p><p>On the other hand, someone who truly has power or strength may not try to show it to everyone, especially not to the weak. They only assert it when facing someone equal to them.</p><p>Everything depends on whose hands power is in. In the past, there were many people who used power in the right way and defended those who were weaker.</p><p>But they are certainly rare today. As I see in society, people often do not treat the weak well, especially those who are financially poor.</p><p>Everyone tries to gain power, and everyone knows that today, money is power.</p><p>Be the one who can control power with belief in ethics and values, and prove everyone wrong — that power makes evil, but does not have to change who you are.</p><p>☕ If my words made you feel something…a smile, a thought, a tiny ache — you can <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/jaultyagi">buy me a Coffee</a></p><p>It keeps my heart full and my stories flowing</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=af20d30960a7" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/be-open/the-power-af20d30960a7">The Power</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/be-open">Be Open - Writers &amp; Readers Pub</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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