As I watch current events, I see the divide between “us” and “them” grow ever greater. All the while, I see “us” and “them” having less and less concern for “we the people”—the people in the middle. This coronavirus crisis is no different. We have lost sight of the “golden rule” and the command to “love your neighbor”.
How do we “love our neighbor” in this current pandemic? By letting wisdom and other-centeredness prevail. Social distancing and stay-at-home policies have been a failure and a success—depending on perspective. Transmission has been limited. Deaths have (presumably) been averted. The nation’s economy has survived and it has begun to crumble. Otherwise healthy adults and children have become much less active. We are increasingly socially-isolated. I, personally, suspect that our inherent immune systems are taking a hit because we are not being exposed to what will strengthen our immune cells against imminent viral attacks. It is true that we are learning to wash our hands and clean our work spaces, but this has a downside as well as an upside. We prevent the spread of germs, and we prevent the spread of germs.
Protecting others comes at a cost. On one hand, we are insistent that people socially distance and wear masks. We insist that schools and business close to prevent the spread. On the other hand, we are insistent that schools and business remain open (or, rather, re-open). We insist that we be free not to socially distance or wear masks. If we are rational and honest both hands have valid arguments. Unfortunately, the cost of each is significant. On one hand, people may die. On the other hand, businesses and individual livelihoods may be destroyed.
What then are our options? Frankly, we love our neighbor. We protect the vulnerable. In other words, we wear masks and socially distance where and when it is appropriate to protect those who are elderly and/or immunocompromised. We limit the risk we are to others. Additionally, we are strategic in protecting businesses—particularly small businesses—and the incomes of the most financially-vulnerable. We support our neighbors in need. We exercise wisdom. We focus on others. We seek to be selfless.
In every opportunity there is a cost. We cannot be other-centered without sacrifice. It is the “tragedy of the commons”1.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
1Hardin, G. (1968). The Tragedy of the Commons. Science, 162, 1243-1248.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.162.3859.1243