READING TOO MANY BOOKS

"Any man who reads too much and uses his brain too little fall into a lazy habits of thinking". This is a saying of Albert Einstein . You may feel wonderful when you read what you like. It can be a fictional romance or a biography or even a science fiction book. But then what happens? What is the profit you obtain  when you turn the final page of a wonderful book?

Than the second question emerges! Why do we have to read ?

-to learn something you crave 

-to kill time

-to fall asleep

-to be educated, to learn a skill, a profession

-to increase your knowledge 

Even in a fictional romance , there may be a lot of things you learn.You experience how people interact to each other. While learning the problems of a protagonist you discover the solutions found by other characters in the book.You discern the mistakes done in life without recognition. Psychological collapses, the emergence of hatred, increase of anger...

You learn life, you learn how to live...

But how to keep them all in our mind , to memorize, and to remember when needed. This needs effort, you have to work upon. I don't mean you have to learn them all by heart . This is already impossible.

Take notes the interesting parts of the book while reading.  Than at the end you can consolidate all together to form a kind of summary and edit if necessary.

Prepare a presentation of the book to your friends.

Better ,it can be to write down a critique of the book by adding your views.

Avram Aji

11.10.2026

GETTING OLD

 I am 74 now. This is my 47th year in the business. How lucky I am. I am thinking that aging is a marvellous thing in life. There is nothing to be sad about. You are still alive. Moreover I have enough wealth for my fall years.This is a miracle. But you must admit that I worked hard. 

But people that surrounds you are also changing. They too , are getting old. Some developped psycological disorders. You cannot fall on deaf ears. It is time to get off the back foot. You must not let these people drain your mood.Either you try to change them to put them on the right track or you get away from them .You need to map out your daily life for a more fulfilling life. Art and  music are the most recommended driving force for you to practice.

Regretfully not all your beloved friends and family members will do the same for their life. Hence there is no need to insist to go on with them in whatever circumstances.

HOW DO PEOPLE BECOME WEALTHY

It is worthwhile to think about possessing money, property, companies, and wealth in general. It can be viewed as either an excessive accumulation or a stroke of good luck.

Perhaps the best approach is to examine the people around you—those you are in close contact with, including family members with whom you share part of your life.

One of my friends, was not a good student at school. We were in the same class in secondary school. He was always very funny, humble, helpful, and modest. He married a very clever girl from a poor family who has always been very industrious.

A.S. hardly finished high school. His father was a commission agent for raisins. He grew up in a middle-class family surrounded by good people.

He used to be very interested in electronics. He started producing very small, simple circuits for the electronic industry, mainly for TV manufacturers. An electronic engineer joined him a few years later, which expanded their production and developed their products. They were the first to adapt to TV remote controllers. They had not invented the mechanism, but they were able to produce various models for many TV manufacturers. Their business flourished very fast. They built many factories and started exporting to the entire world.

In two decades, they became very rich. I assume that they made more than 100 to 200 million dollars.

He invited us twice to his luxurious sailboat and catamaran. They hosted us like kings. I never had the opportunity to reciprocate. During one of these trips, I heard him speaking Italian very fluently.

We were once on a trip to Israel together. To my astonishment and admiration, I heard him speaking fluent Hebrew as well. We had graduated from a French school; hence, his French was good. I assume that with such a big business, his English must have been perfect as well. But how on earth and when did he learn Italian and Hebrew!

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EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW AND THE LIMITS OF COMPASSION

The law must treat everyone equally. Judges must administer justice impartially, without regard to a person’s wealth, social status, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. At the same time, society has a moral obligation to support vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and those living in poverty. However, such support must be provided wisely and in a balanced manner.

Most citizens do not fully understand the long-term consequences of public policies. Instead, they tend to focus on the immediate benefits they receive. This creates a temptation for politicians to promise generous benefits in exchange for votes, even when those promises are economically unsustainable.

A striking example occurred recently in Turkey. In an effort to win an election, the previous government reversed the retirement reform and reinstated the old retirement rules, even though they no longer reflected the country’s demographic and economic realities. As a result, approximately 1.5 million people became eligible to retire at around the age of 45. It was evident that such a system could not remain financially sustainable for long. Inflation gradually eroded the value of pensions, and today many retirees—and often their families as well—struggle to make ends meet.

Compassion is an admirable virtue, but when it ignores economic reality, it may ultimately harm the very people it intends to help.

AVRAM AJİ

24.07.2026

MEANING OF LIFE

Has life a meaning? Obvious everybody asks this question during all entire life. The answers most probably differ in what period of life you are. When young your lifeview is totally different when mature is different when old different. Even if you search as deeplymasmyoubcan there is no a single expression given by no any scientist nor philosopher to the meaning of life. Theologic viewpoint is distracting us to from our endevour in searching a meaning to our life. Moreover some religious afterlife panorma is obscuring to see the existing world

Maybe the question that we are asking to ourselves and to others is wrong! Why we are looking after an explanation to a meaning of our life? Because the between life and death there is very tiny broderline. In a second you can go from a living creature to a marble  stone death.

Do we have fear from death ? Of course we do.Living is good than to be dead. 

Lets assume that our life  don't have a meaning. Than the question turns to a how to live this life correctly.

Nowadays, at this century we are aware of all all the cathastrophies of the world, sufferings, wars, diseas, famine, desasters, poverty. And this is crushing us while thinking of not being able in soothing all these painful lives. .Even billionaires -whom are so mighty and powerful are not helping much.

First we need to admit that we dont have a good and reasonable answer to the meaning of life. If we agree on that than we have to look after what can be a good life, a fulfilling life. How we can deliver to all human and living creature a good life?

Another sad reality of life is that there is no equality among living creatures. But sounds very reasonable our endevour to approach whole world to the equality is valuable.We are unable to avoid presently "big fish eat small fish", or "might  is right" nature. 

Helping our neighbour -in their difficult time, is a marvellous deed, bu helping to all humanity obviously is more worthwhile such as inventing a vaccine and not to think patenting to get rich but trying to distribute to an every corner of the world to save life...

Such cultural good behaviours can be learned and mimicked. Going beyond our personal welfare thinking to the prosperity of whole humanity must be our target. And  then to the preservation of whole nature is a step ahead.

24.08.2025

Avram Aji

GAME THEORY APPLIED TO SOCIETAL WAY OF LIFE

 I followed the lessons on System Enginering at university where one of the major coverage was based on the famous "Game Theory" of John von Neumann. It is not very easy to understand this concept . We mostly think Darwinian , such as the "might has right" , "the best adaptive living , survive and reproduce the most". Than natural selection occurs.

"Adam Smith" famous economic theory "The Invisible Hand" advocating "the individuals pursuing their own self intersts, inadvertently contribute to overall economic good of all society". This not different than Darwinian viewpoint. On the contrary the most benficial behaviour or act might be adventegous to the person or institution or a company , but may not be in favour to the whole society. 

The Game Theory clearly demonstrate that our instantenuous decision, may not the be most rationnaly beneficial one even for ourself in a long run. Mostly the more beneficial to the whole society , can't be the best for ourself alone, which looks contradictory to our immediate interest and advantage.

In chess you may sacrific the queen in order to checkmate.

Our ultimate objective mustn't be our sole prosperity.We live in a society , it wouldn't prefable to be left alone in nature though being the strongest and wisest living creature among other living creatures.

ETERNAL LAWS, JURISPRUDANCE, LEGAL ORDER, JUSTICE, EQUITY

In the 21st century, cultural evolution has become far more significant than Darwinian evolution and natural selection, which operate at an extremely slow pace. For natural selection to take effect, it requires tens or even hundreds of generations to adapt to new environments, changes in climate, global warming, and other environmental shifts. 

In contrast, cultural evolution happens instantaneously. As soon as a new invention or discovery is made, humanity as a whole begins to benefit from it. For example, COVID-19 vaccines started saving lives from the very first day they were developed. Similarly, advanced imaging technologies and medical machinery were immediately integrated into hospitals, allowing physicians to treat patients more effectively.

The French philosopher Frédéric Lenoir argued that cultural evolution operates on two distinct levels:

A)The first level is rooted in physical discoveries and inventions, such as technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs. These developments can be precisely measured and often rely on mathematical or scientific principles.

B)The second level is social evolution, which encompasses changes in laws, justice systems, moral codes, and etiquette. This dimension of cultural evolution transforms how societies function and interact, though it tends to progress more slowly and lacks immediate, measurable outcomes.

One of the most significant examples of sociological cultural development is seen in the evolution of law. As humans began living together in larger communities and the division of labor emerged, conflicts between individuals, including those between men and women, required fairer and more just resolutions. 

The earliest example of codified law in human history is the "eye for an eye" principle found in the Code of Hammurabi. In contrast, in the animal kingdom, survival and dominance are often determined by strength and intelligence, following the principle of "might makes right." 

Religious texts, such as the "Ten Commandments," also represent early attempts to establish moral and legal guidelines for society. These rules were considered divine and laid the foundation for ethical behavior.

Today, the most advanced form of legal culture is found in Roman Law, particularly the *Corpus Juris Civilis*. Modern legal systems have evolved to prioritize justice and rehabilitation over retribution. For instance, even the most heinous criminals are no longer immediately sentenced to death but are instead imprisoned, reflecting a shift toward social distancing and rehabilitation.Looking ahead, the legal system is expected to continue improving at an accelerated pace, thanks to advancements in data storage and computerized sorting algorithms. These technologies will likely enhance the efficiency and fairness of legal processes, further advancing our cultural evolution.

Avram Aji

02.03.2025

MUSEUMS & COLLECTIONS

 WHEN I FIRST went to Berlin , I checked for interesting places through internet such as museums around the city. I was amazed to know of the number of the existing museums and various exhibitions. When I attempted to buy entrance ticket I was shocked. 75 Museums 50 Euros , 150 museums 75 Euros .You need to stay a year to visit all of them.

Why in Izmir -the city that I was born and still living - is soo poor in museums an exhibitions? When foreign visitors come to Izmir I am having big difficulties in finding them interesting places to show . The most polular museum that I show to my friends is the KEY museum having quite a big collection of old cars and few motocycles.A really an amzaing place to see. Vey well kept, all cars are as like brand new. Well polished , shining like a mirror.

I like to visit is Arkas Art Museums which are situated in various locations in Izmir. Mainly in Alsancak, Urla, Bornova and Alaçatı. Nowadays the new İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası also is a good spot to visit. You will notice its perfect interior design. It is always full of students. One the biggest library is there.

Another museum that I like to show to my friends is the Köstem Zeytinyağı Fabrikası. Although it is a real personal collection of the famous orthpopedist doctor Levent Köstem ,the exhibit is very interesting for those who love machines and technology. 

Avram Aji

31.08.2024

FINDING WHAT TO READ WITH ChatGPT

I started to read the book of JONATHAN HAIDT - "THE RIGHTOUS MIND" yesterday. What an interesting book ! I am so happy to encounter it.

But how? Let me tell you how I am now searching for what to read . When you love reading books the most difficult part is when you finish an amazing one. I feel unhappy because I've finished reading the book,And I don't know what to read next. Especially if I haven't heard about or notice anything interesting before.

First I check my e-library. usually when I find something intersting to read I immediately buy and download onto my iPad. Tablets are the most useful medium for reading books. You have instant access  to Google for anything you don't understand, or have never heard of before. This is especially important when reading in foreign languages ; it is a must for me. 

In the past I was looking to the best seller lists of the bookstores. This may guide you as well somehow.

Now I am using ChatGPT. What an amazing tool -you wouldn't believe it!

Mostly I write a question like the following:

       "Dear ChatGPT      

        I like to read books. Especially phylosophical, psycological and sociological ones. Recently I read          books from Frederic Lenoir and I liked them very much. What other authors you can recommend            on the same cathegories ? "

Recently I got the following list :

Boris Cyrulnik , Andre Comte Sponville, Yannis Varufakis, Kevin Laland, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Philippe Askenazy, Daniel Kohen, Jonathan Haidt....."

These are the ones I liked the most from the list. I wouldn't be aware of the most of them if I didn't investigated through AI.

Avram Aji

29.08.2024

WEALTH AND INCOME INEQUALITY

Do we have to be affraid of wealth inequality ? The gap is deepening day by day. The amount of billionnaires are increasing. In  EU -although living and working anywhere wherein is possible - still there are important GDP differences between countries.

Germany is actually $ 50.841 (2019)

The biggest fear that the poor people have is that  whether riches are damaging and influencing the governance system to their favor.

"Do we have to defend capitalism and the free market in face of an upsurge of enthusiasm of Marxist alternatives" Theresa May once said?

"Some philosophers think that laws are made to protect riches from poors? "

Do the poors became feracious and recless in time really? There is an impressive adage in Turkish " Hunger disrupt the faith" . On the contrary to the most of  religions which are trying to convey  us to a more simplistic lifestyle which is in contrast with nowadays hedonic and mercantilistic "free economy" of the majority the countries  are  adopted. The actual life is based on "work more, earn more and spend more".Closed economies tend to stay behind the world prevalent developments.

We are under the heavy bombardment of bad news from all sides. News on wars, diseases , earthquakes , accidents, hurricanes , economical crashes, corruptions are continuously poured to us 7/24 via various social media sources like TV's, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube et cetera...

I started to read the book of André Compte Sconville about  capitalism - whether it is morallly right. His answer is neither yes nor no. He is saying that actual capitalism is post-moral sistem. 

On XX century communism was in front of capitalism and there was a competition in between. On 21. century such competion dissapeared.

IMPROPER VARIETIES OF CULINARY HERBS FOUND WITHIN THE WORLD SPICE MARKET

In the recent course of events, I came across to an advertisement online, showcasing a new crop laurel leaves, accompanied by a captivating photograph. Swiftly discerning, however, that the offered product was not the true laurel leaves renowned for their culinary employment.  To be precise, the accurate nomenclature is "Laurus Nobilis L." in the realm of Latin botanical classification, and it is rigorously harvested within the Mediterranean costal areas. This botanical treasure is mostly encountered in Turkey and we are the principal purveyor to the world market.

Journeying back in time, I reminisce about an occasion when I was strolling amidst the alleys of the AL RAS trade market in Dubai. This sparkling area is now hosting to a big assemblage of global merchants, each displaying their merchandise upon shelves, close to a veritable but much more vibrant international exposition and trade centre.

As expected, the majority of these traders are from the Indian subcontinent, having an important knowledge in the art of commerce.

But when it comes to the products beyond their trading knowledge there may be a problem. I saw rather bothered the very very low grades of Turkish dried fruits on the shelves.

And l came across, within a commodious sack resided verdant leaves labelled as laurel (Bay) leaves, though distinctly different in essence from the genuine laurel plant that we supply. Engaging a discourse with the vendor, I endeavoured to elucidate the mistake but I have been defeated by  the lack of knowledge before me. My endeavours proved futile against his strong conviction in the authenticity of what he was offering.

In a separate juncture, an inquiry for thyme arised from a country from an Eastern Europe. Turkey handle an array of wild thyme variations, particularly flourishing in close proximity to its seashores. Having an accumulated legacy of 43 years in the industry, our quality department staff and our workers know them very precisely and can distinguish them easily all. Our prospective buyer requested a sample for Thymus Vulgaris -which is very common in Turkey-. The exportation reaches over 1500 tons every year.

To our surprise, our sample was rejected because of DNA discrepancy and  tests results done by TLC /HPLC.

Another experience that we had in the past was in cistus leaves. Cistus are extensively used as herbal tea in the world. There are also some minor pharmaceutical usage . The laboratory who tested our lot found %20 marjoram leaves mixed in it. We couldn’t convince our buyer informing that there is no any marjoram farming in Turkey. Moreover the price of marjoram is at least two times more expensive if not three. Luckily we succeeded to sell the lot to another buyer nearby and get rid of the trouble.

Some importers may not have broad knowledge on botanical varieties of the plants they are handling. At this point the expertise of the supplier, the producer and the exporters become crucial.

Avram Aji

30.08.2023

HUMAN RIGHTS

 From the moment of our birth, we're taught the principle of human equality. We're told that both women and men hold equal status and possess the right to live with dignity. We're also reminded of the rights of animals and the importance of conserving nature.

Ironically, the reality of our lives often contradicts these principles. The survival of larger fish hinges on the existence of smaller ones, as illustrated in Lafontaine's well-known fable, which imparts the message that "might is right."

Presently, the sustenance of the global population, numbering eight billion, relies on a staggering 34 billion livestock. This sustenance necessitates the use of billions of tons of chemical compounds like fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides, and involves excessive irrigation that disrupts the natural water cycle.

It's a fact that humans are inherently unequal, and the preservation of animals and plants is equally vital. Even before humanity's emergence on Earth, there was a constant struggle amongst various animal species. Human beings aren't solely responsible for the extinction of creatures such as mammoths, bisons, dinosaurs, and countless other species.

Disparities among students are glaringly evident in university entrance exams. I personally knew a considerate classmate who excelled in these exams through rote memorization of textbooks.

In my secondary school, only 50% of students graduated, and in high school, the percentage dropped to 30%, leading to the expulsion of many students.

In summary, the reality remains that human equality is an ideal rarely achieved. Despite the eloquent phrasing of documents like the "Human Rights Declaration," which extol principles of honor, equality, and inalienable rights, and despite attempts to curb the power of monarchs through documents like the "Magna Carta Libertatum" and events like the French Revolution, the outcomes have often fallen short.

AVRAM AJI

26.08.2023

EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL LEARNING

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has stated in one of his recent speeches that it is obvious that evolution will continue for all species that continue to reproduce. There will be more mutations, and the fittest will continue to survive.

However, we know that the world's chicken population is 33 billion, while the populations of pork and cattle are close to 1 billion each. These figures show us that these animals, in total, are four times more populous than humankind is. Despite this, none of them is on an evolutionary track. We only select the more productive breeds.

The saying "big fish eats the small fish" implies that the goal of the small fish should be to become a big fish as soon as possible and before becoming prey.

There is a slight conflict between Dawkins' argument on reproductive activity and the feeding habits that we have.

Some monotheistic religions encourage, and even sanctify, having as many children as possible. We may believe to this as a support to the divine evolution process.

Currently, the top 10% of the world's population holds 85% of the world's total wealth.

What's worse is that this imbalance continues to deteriorate in contrast to the poorer counterparts, with the top 10% becoming even wealthier.

How can we secure a place within the top 10%? Are these top 10% of people more evolved than the remaining 90%? We know that the size of our brain is very similar among all individuals.

At this stage, I would like to introduce you to evolutionary biologist Kevin Laland, who emphasizes the importance of social learning abilities in living creatures. If we are not innately very talented, our struggle will rely solely on social learning.

AVRAM AJI

25.08.2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL BATTLE AND THE POWER OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

 I AM READING the very knowledgable book of Neil deGrasse Tyson "STARRY MESSANGER" where this scholar emphasize the power of the upcoming quantum computers and advanced programs . 

Human losses in traffic accidents  every year reaches 1,3 million already. This is cathastrophic number. When the new generation of self driving cars and trucks will replace human drivers, this cathastrophy will be eliminated in a large extent.

Which countries and companies in the world are investing on a self driving vehicles? Amazon - Jeff Bezos , Alpabet Google -Lary Page ,Sergei Brin , Sundar Pichai and Apple -Tim Cook are on the top along with Toyota.

Isn't it very strange that the gigantic automotive sector falls behind of the IT companies? These companies are very rich and can spare large amount of money to researchs on various sectors. Moreover the industry needs more advanced sensing technology and elaborate the big data recieved by them and  take action much faster in new vehicles.

THE NAVIGATION system that we are using nowadays is created two dimensional incorporating lively the traffic population and suggesting us instantly the fastest route we need to take. But still is not working very accurate . On the road a new congestion appear and the estimated journey timeline may fall well behind. Computerized traffic lights does not solve either the congestions on rush hours in big cities.The commuting time is getting bigger and bigger even with public transportation wasting our precious time.

Needless to say the three dimensional information data and instant information flow which the autonomous vehicles needs must be millions fold bigger. 

Avram Aji

08.07.2023

HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE - THE TWO MAJOR DEAD END SOCIAL WORK

TO SUPPORT CITIZENS OF LOW INCOME all governments are putting their utmost efforts to keep interest rates of morgages at the lowest level possible and longer matırity. In Turkey we hardly got 10 years of maturity in some banks. But we know in USA is as long as 30 years. Housing is an activity which promotes the construction industry. Also reduce the unemployment rates. Those who are in a dire situation need more care from the government.

I WAS AMAZED to hear that in Singapore the government give a house to the young citizens for free according to their needs. For instance if you are married have children you get a bigger house with more rokms while a single will acquire a smaller house. But how this all-important support be evenly distributed among citizens in the need? You may be a children of a very rich family. 

Finland has implemented a number of programs aimed at improving the housing situation for its poor citizens. These include subsidizing rents, providing grants for renovation and maintenance of housing, and providing free housing for those in need. The government has also made a commitment to build more affordable housing and provide incentives for developers to build affordable housing.

South Korea has implemented several policies to improve the housing situation for its citizens. These include providing low-interest loans for housing renovation and construction, expanding rental assistance programs, and providing tax breaks for homebuyers.

THE INCENTIVES GIVEN to citizens for housing are very important but its location and floor space is also very difficult to consider ,acknowledge the need and satisfy the people. 

ONCE YOU OWN one room cosy flat you start thinking a for spacious one , closer to your work, or other family members, or a tiny house with a small garden in front, When you marry and have babies one room flat is no more sufficient.. This is an endless series of needs and expectations. 

HEALTHCARE IS ALSO is now considered as a human right. But who will pay it expenses? At what extent the tests, CT scans, MR scans any many other investigations will be done? What will be the frequency and the coverage of routine check ups? This has no end , moreover very costly day by day?

Mostly from the very first day that you start working , an automatic - so called all inclusive-  healthcare system come into force legally in most worldwide countries. Everyboday has to pay a percentage of his salary to this general healthcare system... But than why and how private health insurance system works? Why  the public healthcare is unable to cover all the immediate needs. The sad outcome is that riches have more chance to get a better healthcare and live more.

Avram Aji

27.01.2023