My personal opinion

  In the modern world, we see the public faces of success and power. Charismatic CEOs smile on the covers of business magazines, while presidents and prime ministers deliver inspiring speeches about freedom and democracy on our screens.  However, that is merely the front stage.  The real picture unfolds behind the scenes, where those who own the "majority stake" make the decisions, not those who speak.    Who Is Really Steering the Ship? In the corporate world, ultimate authority resides with the majority shareholders . As owners of the main block of shares, majority shareholders elect the board members. The Board appoints and dismisses the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), makes core strategic decisions, and controls the company's direction. If the executive does not fulfill their vision, the board replaces them.   The CEO holds day-to-day operational power. They serve as the face of the company and manage daily operations. Typically, they enjoy ope...

 We live in an era of hyper-connectivity, yet emotional distance between nations has never been wider. Every day, the news is filled with geopolitical conflicts, economic crises, and political scandals. But as the decisions of world leaders spark global outrage, a dangerous psychological phenomenon takes roots: collective hate. When a government makes a destructive choice, the world quickly turns its anger toward the entire population of that country. We blame the citizens, the culture, and the individual human beings who happen to hold that specific passport. But is this anger justified? Or have we fallen into one of humanity’s oldest and most dangerous intellectual traps? The most common argument for collective blame is democratic choice: "But they voted for them!" However, this logic crumbles under the reality of modern politics. Political campaigns are built on promises that are frequently broken the moment elections end. Citizens often choose the "lesser of two evil...

 We live in a time when information is generated faster than we can digest it. A single tweet, unverified video, or provocative headline can travel the globe in seconds, influencing millions of minds before anyone bothers to ask a simple question: “Where’s the evidence?” The digital space has subtly replaced evidence with narrative. But should we believe everything we read on the internet? The short answer is no. The internet thrives on emotion, not accuracy. Algorithms are programmed to amplify content that evokes shock, anger, or moral outrage because outrage generates clicks. When emotion drives the news feed, facts become secondary. A well-crafted lie wrapped in passion will almost always trump a quiet, nuanced truth. Think about how quickly online crowds gather to condemn a person, company, or political figure. Imagine a viral post that reads, “Person X is corrupt and has ruined the lives of hundreds!” Within hours: The headline gets thousands of shares. The comment sections f...

My e-books are FREE on Smashwords this month. 🥳 Dive in or gift it to a friend. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer! 📚 👇 https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Sezgin_Ismailov /   👇 You can find it in stores as a hardcover, softcover, or e-book. The titles include Manners in the Great Kingdom, The Wealth of the Great Kingdom, The Heir of the Dynasty,  369 Hours of Punishment, and Unforgettable Personalities of History. Amazon, eBay, Adlibris, Powells, Rakuten, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Kinokuniya, Thalia, JPC, Abebooks.com, Takealot.com, Booklooker, Alibris, Morawa, Booktopia, Thriftbooks, WOM, Google Play, Flipkart, Hugendubel, Bücher, Michaelsbund, Dumocks, Kitapavrupa, Pandora, BOL, Orellfüssli, Lehmanns, Walmart, Eurobuch, Tredition, Biblio, Faltershop, Helikon, Legimi, Bokus, D§R, Imge, Cinius, Indigo, Imusic, Athenaeum, Kaufland, Mondadoristore, Paagman, Weltbild, Betterworldbooks, Blackwells, Ebook, Exlibris, Lesen, Libroworld, Lesejury, Kitapsepeti, and...

In a world that often measures success by bank statements and material possessions, it is easy to forget what it really means to be “rich.” If we rethink the concept, we will see that wealth is not what we accumulate for ourselves but what we contribute to the world. As I have a saying, “If we think morally right and our actions are in the interest of people and nature, then we show how rich we are.” This statement of mine challenges the logic of consumer society. Wealth here is transformed from quantity of possessions to quality of character. In the moral choices of everyday life, Wealth is manifested in our ability to make the “right” choices when no one is looking. Would you choose to support a local producer, even if the product is somewhat pricier, instead of buying a mass-produced product that supports exploitative practices? This act is an investment in society—you are “rich” in consciousness. When we care for nature as a legacy, which is our greatest asset, we often treat it as...

We’ve all heard the adage, “Lend a hand.” It’s etched into our collective consciousness as the epitome of human kindness, a fundamental pillar of community and compassion. See someone struggling? Reach out! Offer support! Be the hero they need! It sounds wonderful, right? Like something straight out of a feel-good movie. But here’s a rather uncomfortable truth, one that flies in the face of all those warm fuzzy feelings: people sometimes prefer not to receive open help. And believe it or not, in today’s hyper-individualistic, often privacy-obsessed world, this sentiment is becoming even more pronounced. It’s a strange paradox: we yearn for connection but often recoil from direct intervention when we’re at our most vulnerable. Think about it. There’s a quiet dignity in solving your problems, isn’t there? You experience a feeling of victory when you successfully navigate a challenging situation without requiring assistance. When someone swoops in with an outstretched hand, no matter ...

Let's be real for a second. Whether you're glancing at your retirement fund, scrolling through job postings, or just trying to navigate the price of groceries, there's one thing that feels constant: change. People often perceive this constant change as instability. The stock market experiences fluctuations, the job market adapts to technological advancements, and even the housing market exhibits unpredictable fluctuations. It's enough to make anyone feel twitchy about their future. That's why I love this quote from Mikhail Barshchevsky: "Markets are unstable. Invest in yourself." Simple, right? However, the implications are profound.  This piece of wisdom isn't just a clever saying. Firstly, Barshchevsky confronts us with the harsh reality: "Markets are unstable." And he's not wrong. Financial Markets: Stocks go up and down. Cryptocurrencies soar and plummet. Interest rates fluctuate, affecting everything from your savings to your mortgag...

 Why are probability and possibility confused with each other? Understanding the difference between the two is the key to rational decision-making, risk management, and avoiding major disappointments. What is the difference? Possibility means that an event can happen. It does not violate the laws of physics or logic. Its chance exceeds zero. Probability measures the mathematical or statistical likelihood that an event will actually happen under certain conditions. The chance is expressed as a percentage and is often extremely close to zero. Simple real-life examples The Lottery Ticket You buy a ticket from the National Lottery. Possibility: Yes, you have a valid ticket, so it is possible to win the jackpot. Probability: The chance of winning the jackpot is about 1 in a few million. Although the possibility exists, the probability is negligible. Relying on this income for your retirement means your strategy is disastrous. Starting a New Business You decide to start a tech innovation...

 We’ve often heard the phrase, “Just do it!” In a world that pushes us to be productive 24/7, the phrase sounds like a mantra. But in my book, The Wealth of the Great Kingdom, I put forward a thought that we often miss: “The question is not whether I will do it but how to do it right and benefit everyone without harming others.”  Isn't it ironic? Everyone tries to win at all costs, and occasionally they forget that someone else often pays the price. Let's break it down through examples from our "modern" life.  Look at the solar boom. Everyone wants to be energy independent, ​​and that’s a good thing. But look at the difference: Option A: You install a system that “drains” the grid in such a way that it puts a strain on your neighbors, just to save a few levs on top. That’s “doing it.” Option B: You plan your installation (like a modern “Balkonkraftwerk” with storage) so that you optimize your consumption without burdening the infrastructure and even share the surplus....

A thought experiment for a fairer tomorrow Throughout the centuries, forms of government have constantly shifted, changing only their labels. Yet for the average person—regardless of whether they were rich or poor—the difference has often been minimal. Even under communist regimes, people worked for a crust of bread while the party elite lived in luxury without doing any real work. Nowadays, with information reaching us at lightning speed, we can see the gap between the rich and the poor widening into a deep chasm. Countries are in debt, people are in debt, and a small group is becoming obscenely wealthy. We are on the verge of mass robotization, which will inevitably leave many without a livelihood, leading to unpredictable consequences. History remembers such moments—when the majority is fighting just to survive, the system begins to break down. Even if we invent a "new" system with a fancy name, it will not differ significantly from the current ones unless we solve the fun...

 Do you know what the easiest thing in the world is? To talk. This is especially true if you are a politician, a manager, or just someone who really wants to look important. We will amend this; we will change that. “I start a diet "tomorrow"—phrases that fly through the air like autumn leaves. But as the old saying goes, "It is easy to talk; it is difficult to do.” The truth is most evident in the political circus: They are true masters of this discipline. Before elections, promises are poured out like cheap wine at a wedding. You watch them on TV—confident, neat, with fiery speeches about the “bright future” and “social justice." Everything sounds so logical that you even start to believe it yourself. And what happens after that? The elections are over; they enter the cabinet and... surprise! Suddenly the "objective circumstances" change, the budget is not enough, the opposition is getting in the way, and the promised reforms somehow evaporate in the fog ...

  There is a quote from the book "369 Hours of Punishment" that perfectly captures our modern daily lives: "In schools, they don’t teach us how to be good at this craft, but our whole life is a trade." Most of us cringe when we hear the word "sales" or "trade." We imagine pushy representatives or people trying to talk us into something we don't need. But the truth is, trading isn't just about exchanging money for goods. It is the psychological art of mutual exchange. Why We Are All "Traders"  While school was testing us on South American capitals, nobody prepared us for the fact that from the moment we wake up, we step onto the "marketplace." Here are a few examples from real life: The Job Interview: You are the "product," and the employer is the "buyer." Your skills are the features, and the solution to their problem is the benefit you are selling. Your CV? That’s just your advertising brochure. ...

It is better to become friends than to serve as food for ravens and vultures. The fable of the lion and the boar fighting over a small spring on a hot summer day is a timeless metaphor for human conflict. It reveals how ego and stubbornness blind us to the real threats that lurk in the shadows of our arguments. The conflict begins with a "small spring of water." In psychology and business, this scenario is a symbol of limited resources. When we believe there is not enough for everyone, we go into survival mode, which often overrides logic. In professional life, when two managers are fighting over the same budget, they often waste more time sabotaging themselves than productively working. In personal life, it is disputes over inheritance or attention that destroy families. The vultures in the fable are the most important symbol. They are the third party who does not participate in the battle but benefits from its disastrous outcome. They are patient, observant, and feed on the...

The saying, "There are no ugly people, only ugly characters," is a powerful statement that challenges our conventional notions of beauty. It encourages us to look beyond physical appearance and consider the profound influence that personality and inner qualities have on how we perceive others and ourselves.  While societal pressures often prioritize aesthetics, this quote suggests that true beauty lies within, shaped by our actions, thoughts, and overall character.   This notion directly contradicts the widespread influence of the media and advertising, which often bombard us with idealized images of physical perfection. These images often create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. However, the quote offers a refreshing counter-narrative, suggesting that what makes a person truly attractive is not their physical appearance but rather the beauty of their inner self.   What exactly constitutes a "negative character"? T...

They are unlikely to ever disappear. There are millions of problems in one individual. The biggest flaw of a person is to constantly look for reasons for his problems in someone or something; such behavior is already the biggest problem for the individual. This behavior creates a chain reaction, similar to falling dominoes. Especially if you use up your energy in this direction. Over time, your energy returns to you like a boomerang. It goes back to him.  No matter how educated he is, eventually a problem comes to him, and he, struggling to protect himself, becomes a participant in it. Regardless of whether he is calm or indifferent, he must take a side depending on the circumstances. Everyone knows that there is already one god, but it is perceived differently in different languages. The ways of the prophets make division a fact. The one problem that is not known may take another thousand years to solve. The other big problem is the different colors of people's skin.  While t...

A secret organization led by an ancient royal family is hidden behind the walls of a centuries-old castle, away from the gaze of the world. The kings have reached elderly age and are looking for heirs. They understand that they can dominate countries, but not their children or time. Their daughter Nesia, whom they know nothing about, has been wandering the world for almost 20 years. Their son Henry is adamant about not returning to the castle and continuing the family duties; instead, he has dedicated himself to his medical career and lives in America. Their grandchildren lived regular lives, oblivious to their royal heritage. The castle's rulers feel it's time to look for someone to take over their responsibilities. Henry's son is a student and is unaware of his grandparents' past. Because nannies raised her, Nesia's daughter is unaware of her family background. Grandchildren Max and Mary, ignorant of their grandparents' true objectives, are subjected to a seri...

"Divide and Rule" Is Not an Obsolete Tactic—It Is More Effective Than Ever Until twenty years ago, the information that reached us was controlled by politicians and rulers who persuaded the masses as they saw fit. Today, on social media, so much information floods in that it often drowns out the truth. Everything else, even if it were true, was labeled a "conspiracy." And anyone who spoke or wrote inconveniently was considered unstable. In reality, "divide and rule" is used in political and religious contexts. Everyone knows that many conflicts are, in fact, geopolitical projects. Security services and foreign interests finance radical groups to create an enemy. The goal is for people to fear their neighbors because of their faith, instead of uniting against common economic problems. Parties feed on people's emotions. When we are emotionally engaged in hating the "other party or religion," we lose the ability to control the government. When a...

 In the realm of investment and consulting, the alluring promise of "guaranteed returns" frequently obscures the distinction between a visionary and a predator. But there is a fundamental difference between a consultant who helps you grow and one who helps you escape reality. The Illusion of the "Foreign Perfume": Imagine a kingdom where the people live in hardship. A consultant arrives and convinces them to take their last coins and send them to a distant land. Why? Because that land produces exquisite perfumes, it promises a profit of 5% to 10%. The logic is seductive: "Invest there, receive your gold back, and buy a bottle of perfume." Then, you won’t have to smell the stench of the misery around you."  This is the definition of a bad consultant. They teach you how to mask the symptoms of a problem rather than curing the disease. They encourage the drainage of local wealth to fuel someone else’s economy, leaving your own "kingdom"—your c...

 It is said that thought is the quickest thing in the universe. But if it’s so fast, why do we often give answers we deeply regret seconds later? We’ve all been there—we fire off a sharp comment or a rushed decision, and a moment later, we feel that pit in our stomach thinking, "Man, why didn't I just stay quiet?"  Emotion vs. Logic The problem isn’t your intelligence; it’s how our brains are wired. We have a tiny center called the amygdala, which handles emotions and survival. The amygdala responds quickly, triggering a "fight" or "flight" response. On the other side is your logic and reason. This part of the brain is a slower player. By the time your logic kicks in, the words are already out. We often mistake the speed of our reaction for the quality of our thinking. Here’s a real-life example: “The Kitchen Situation." Imagine this: You come home exhausted after a long day. Your partner greets you with, “Did you forget to take out the trash agai...

  Emotions don't change the facts. We all know the cliché—America, the land of "unlimited opportunities" and the original "gold rush. And sure, facts are facts: until about a decade ago, the United States was the industrial heart of the planet, the birthplace of the world's most aggressive private companies, and the place where everyone has a relative living the dream. Even today, countries worldwide keep their gold reserves there, banking on that old-school "security."  However, when you examine the situation without the influence of Hollywood and the media, which is arguably the most effective in the industry, the reality becomes much more unsettling. Who is truly in control? The irony begins at the very foundation. The founders of the US Constitution—the guys writing about "freedom and equality"—were, for the most part, slave owners. This double game hasn’t stopped; it just evolved. On the global stage, the US plays the "world’s police...