Thoughts in the Time of Corona

This lockdown - a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 has got me thinking, I am sure lots of people are doing that, even those who don’t overthink on a regular basis.

This virus has challenged the modern world in an unprecedented way: What and who is considered essential? How to work from home and not letting work take up all your time? How to spend time with ourselves without the distraction/ options of outside entertainment? Etc.

Perhaps some of us are more equipped to take on this challenge, but I bet for most city dwellers, this is going to be a big challenge. In a good way though, all of the above are worth revisiting, it is about time. Does the world need more investment bankers, marketers or YouTubers? Maybe, but these occupations are definitely not essential, not essential enough to keep a city running.

The other big question I have is, why would most people believe their chances of getting infected with COVID-19 is close to zero while many would remain hopeful that there is a chance for them to win a lottery? Then I remember the theory of optimism bias, it cannot be more pronounced/ better demonstrated by those who still congregate in parks and beaches. Human nature never fails to fascinate.

To a certain extent, I am glad that the world is being challenged by a virus at this point in history, as our world has become more divided than ever. I am “glad” because a virus does not discriminate but am shocked that some people would still find reasons to discriminate. This is a collective fight for human beings, regardless of race, nationality or socio-economic background. We can find hope through medical professionals, who are fighting this war on behalf of us, instead of wasting energy on finding someone/ some race to blame.

Life will not be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers will get used to the idea of allowing the workforce to work from home; consumers will get even more comfortable with a life enabled by technology (such as Facetiming your doctor…).

I am hoping as we look back on life on the other side of COVID-19, we will have better answers to the above questions and more equipped to overcome future challenges as global citizens.

This is a lot of scattered thoughts but I am promising myself to “just post it”, as part of my new normal.