Much has been said and written about the deadly Coronavirus.
I would like to share what Bill Gates has said:
“It is reminding us that we are all equal; regardless of our culture religion, occupation or financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us equally, perhaps we should too. We are all connected. What happens to one, affects others too. This virus does not need a passport, so our borders have little value. It reminds us by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is in oppression how they must be living. It reminds us how precious is our health. How we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and water contaminated by chemicals.
This virus reminds us of shortness of life and what is most important for us to do – to help each other, especially old and sick. It reminds us how materialistic our society has become. It tells us, when in times of difficulties we need essentials such as food, water and medicines, not luxuries. This disease reminds us how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It has forced us back into our HOUSES so we can rebuild them into HOME and strengthen our family unit. It reminds us that our true work is not our jobs, we were not created to do just that, but to look after each other, protect and to be of benefit to each other.”
Bill Gates still went further to say, “ This virus reminds us to keep our egos in check. A virus can bring our world to standstill. It reminds us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can Chose to cooperate and help, share, give support to each other or to be selfish and hoard. Difficulties bring out our true colours. It reminds us that we can be patient or panic. It reminds us to understand that this type of situation has happened many time before in history and will pass, or panic and see it as an end of world. It is time to reflect, understand what we have learnt from our mistakes. It reminds us that this earth is sick. Look at the rate of deforestation – just look at the rate of toilet rolls are disappearing from our shelves. We are sick because our home (the earth) is sick. This virus reminds us that after every difficulty, there is always an ease. Life is cyclical and this is just a phase in this great cycle. Do not panic, this too shall pass. Many see Corona as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a great corrector.”
Bill Gates’ speech is very thought provoking and compels you to soul search.
The Guardian reporter Jonathan Freedland wrote, “Coronavirus crisis has transformed our view of what’s important. After 100 days of rapid change we can now see we can do without celebrities, but not without self-stackers.” He quoted Vladimir Ilyich Lenin “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” That was the time of Russian Revolution, but this could be said about current global situation too.
We do not hear any news of tribal wars or racial conflicts, any religious tensions or mass migration and refugee problems. There is more serious and powerful destructive element which has bound us together and keeping us free from our petty squabble. This means we can do away with all our warmongering tactics because such danger may be just round the corner in future.
Some family members and friends have expressed their views of the situation and some good and bad outcomes we may experience at present and in future. The downside of this pandemic is, construction industry and many other businesses are down, so millions around the world have lost their livelihood. For many, their salaries have decreased. Entertainment and sporting events are postponed. On the other side consumptions of essentials will continue which eventually may lead to shortage of bare necessities.
Some positive experiences have been noticed by people living in different countries. People are keeping distance not based on race, religion, caste or colour of their skin, but to take care of each other. Confucius said, “Do not harm others.” Perhaps we are learning to practice his preaching. The importance of personal and public hygiene has been stressed world wide, so we may witness cleaner homes, roads and public places. The neighbours have become more friendly, relatives are calling each other and younger generation has discovered the value of family ties. People are forced to cook at home. We may learn to shop when you ‘need ‘something, instead of when we ‘want’. More inventions are being made to entertain ourselves, work and keep healthy from distance. Spending on luxury items has gone down. Manufacturing of cars have gone down. Because of less traffic, roads are less polluted. Our rivers and oceans are cleaner.
If we as human race can remember what we have experience from this global atrocities, we will invest on spiritual self learning. This virus has brought the whole world under one umbrella and taught us that everybody is equal, no one will be spared.
e.mail : 71abuch@gmail.com