[Martha Pao]

Thank you!  When I saw the ages listed in Confucius' self cultivation poem I did get the sense that most people would not live until their 70s.   And people in their 50s and 60s, in 490 BCE, they might have looked more like our current day 80 and 90 year olds.  At that age they might have gained an "understanding of the will of the heavens" but also are likely to be more mellow and less likely to start a revolution. (We all know of exceptions, of course, for example Anthony Fauci, who in his 80s is still quite spirited.  But for the most part, people in their 70s and 80s are less feisty than younger people).  Now in terms of controlling the masses, Confucius is most clever in setting an aspirational goal: most people will be able to reach a "sense of understanding" in their 40s! Therefore, in a society that adheres to Confucianism, most people will devote any free time to become better.  It is possible that civil unrest will be mostly eliminated under the guiding idea that one needs to be older, wiser and have studied more before being able to have a true "understanding of the will of the heavens".  It's a good philosophy for an emperor to adopt. 

[Martha Pao]

Hello,

Does anyone know what the life expectancy was in 490BCE?  Thanks!

[Martha Pao]

It is surprising how high the food expense is in Asia (expressed as a percentage of total household expenditure) especially compared to the USA.  From my limited experience in Asia I found that food there was for the most part cheaper than in the USA, both in the supermarket and in restaurants.  So is the higer expenditure in food expense a reflection of lower GDP or are we seeing a cultural difference in the importance given to good food?

[Martha Pao]

Regarding low birth rates in Japan, it is also of note that a woman who has a baby and stays at home will often be expected to take in their elderly in-laws and care for them.  The gender roles and societal expectations weigh heavy on young women, who might prefer to enjoy more freedoms in the Western style (travel, entertainment).  These options often are not available to young mothers once they start a family and become more traditional.

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