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40 is an important number in one way I am aware of. During the Black Plague (1348-1350) in medieval Europe, travelers and refugees arriving at any city would be held isolated for 40 days before allowed in past the main gates. Those who were infected had thus time enough to develop their sickness to the visible stage. Which, of course, was soon followed by death. Those who were still not visibly sick after that time, were allowed in. It might seem harsh, but it is estimated that between 30 and 60 percent of Europe's population died from the Black Plague.
And now you know where the word quarantine comes from. It is latin for the number 40.
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Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
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