The Simple Things Matter, Most of All Now

These are vexing times, with convolved public health and economic issues whose scope and impact are beyond the living memory of all but a handful of humans.  At best a complex dynamic system beset by chaos or at worst a stochastic process, the future is uncertain, shaped in part by our actions and inactions. History and those few who remember the influenza pandemic of 1918 have some important and sobering life lessons for us as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the midst of uncertainty, it may seem that we are powerless pawns in a great and complex game of biological systematics, population dynamics, and economics (both macro and micro) so eloquently described in Fitzgerald’s liberal translation of the Rubaiyat,

But helpless Pieces of the Game He plays

Upon this Chequer-board of Nights and Days,

Hither and thither moves, and checks, and slays,

And one by one back in the Closet lays.

Engage By Example

We may be but darkly wise and rudely great, but we are far from helpless. As individuals, academics, and public intellectuals, we have much to offer in our planet’s time of need. In domains as compelling as public health and biomedicine and as diverse as economics and finance, logistics and transportation, manufacturing and supply chain management, public policy and social services, and education and training, we can and must engage via a wide variety of mechanisms and modalities. Now is the time for each of us to be collaborative and engaged partners with our citizens and our society. (See Public Intellectuals: Seeing the Stars.)

First and foremost, the science matters, both its systematic execution and its public communication.  From molecular dynamics simulations of COVID-19 protein structures through study of viral DNA mutations and epidemiological models of viral spread to design of drugs that block infection, science is the path to understanding and treatment, as well as fact-based public policy.

But it is not enough to conduct science behind closed doors. Resolving the global crisis depends on a combination of sound science, thoughtful public policy, collaborative action, and clear communication. The latter means sharing tested and proven scientific ideas in plain English that informs and enlightens the public, while avoiding the turgid and elliptic prose so common in scientific discourse. (See Simplifying Communication.)

Manage Our Fears

Without doubt, there is reason for concern, but reason must also triumph over fear. Yes, I’m talking to those who descended on Costco and local grocery stores like a swarm of locusts to denude the shelves of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, canned goods, paper towels, and bread. I’m also talking to those who still congregate in devil may care groups or are afraid to help their fellow human beings in their time of need. To quote Frank Herbert from Dune, in the litany against fear:

I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

We must put aside fear, embrace reason, and act together, relying on both leading edge scientific research and common sense public health guidance, including social distancing and self-isolation to limit viral spread.  We will remain – together.

This is a time when each of us must temper our desire for personal freedoms in the cause of the common good.  Now is the time to be careful rather than frequenting public places and congregating, when calm separation and personal patience would lessen the frequency of personal interaction and the common good.

The Simple Things

Now is also the time to embrace our shared humanity and the importance of the little things, even if separated by time and distance. Character is tempered and tested not in the good times, but in the difficult ones, not in the times of plenty but in the times of deprivation. When anyone suffers, we all suffer.

A nod and wave to a stranger across the street, a smile to the checkout clerk, a thank you to the delivery person – all from a safe distance – can bring comfort and a reminder that we are all united by common desires, whether hope for the health and safety of our families or concern for those who have lost their jobs and livelihoods.

Amidst our concerns, remember that life and nature continue apace. Take joy in a blue sky, a spring breeze, and a golden sunset. We will remain, buttressed by scientific reason, thoughtful action, and our shared values.  Blake was right, if you look, even in the darkest times, it is possible

To see a World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour

In these times of trouble, remember the basic truths; they are the lasting ones.  Stay calm. Trust the science. Help one another. Savor nature. Be kind.

This too shall pass.

Comments

[John Riddle]

Interesting! Thanks