As we struggle to come to terms with the effects of this abhorrent virus, the world continues to turn, indifferent to the plight of mankind. Gone are the days when we might flock to crowded bars and restaurants in search of social connections; these actions are all but condemned.  |
| As the pandemic worsens, fear permeates the otherwise serene landscape of many peaceful towns across the globe. Surgical masks are a common sight wherever you turn.... |
And yet... there's something to be said for the age that we live in. Perhaps Dickens' said it best in the opening of 'A Tale of Two Cities' -- "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Indeed. Despite the innumerable inconveniences we face on a daily basis, we find ourselves living in an age of convenience. We needn't hunt or even leave our shelter in search of food. Delivery services are so ubiquitous that some of us have opted to stay inside indefinitely.
Hell, most work can be done from the comfort of a recliner. Imagine how our ancestors would view our decadent decline. But is that what this is? The emergence of a dark, dystopian society; the death throes of some wounded beast, unaware of its impending doom? Or have we built an unprecedented utopia? An age in which even middle-class citizens have access to luxuries such as semi-precious gemstones and costly medical procedures?
Our current problems will come to pass eventually, but it's how we plan for the future that will determine our fate as a species. Is it possible to forge a new path for society while avoiding violent altercations with uneducated extremists? The answer to this question remains unclear. However, one thing remains certain: in order to effect change on a global scale, a gargantuan effort is imperative. This virulent disease is no longer the problem of one nation or ethnic group, and a cure will require cooperation in research.
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| The rampant spread of COVID-19 has led to the largest global recession since the Great Depression... |
Of course, if all else fails, we can rest secure in the fact that this blue marble will continue to turn and life will go on in one form or another. If nothing else, we are a resilient species. Our adaptability has allowed us to inhabit vast geographical areas and exploit resources on a scale previously unimagined. Let us hope that brighter days are ahead -- but bear in mind that we've overcome far worse to arrive at this unique moment in history.
How are you coping with the current social restraints? Have you found new pastimes to get you through lockdown? Let me know in the comments below or head on over to the FB page and leave a rant. Stay safe!
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