10 commandments of COVID times

Covid is a test. No, not a dark science experiment meant to destroy or enslave us. It is a global test of our humanity. Each of us is asked the question: in a crisis, do you only think of yourself or are you able to sacrifice as well? Is it about principles or compassion, winning or being right?

One thing is clear: history is not made by cynics, they are the dark matter that time filters out. It is not about objections, only proposals really matter. The best - or the least worse - plan should propel us, that is not being naive, it is the only thing we got. 

These times ask a lot from us. But if we do well, we can also get something back. We need these 10 Covid Commandments, to talk to ourselves.   

1. Thou shalt not despair.

First of all, keep your spirit up! The most important ingredient of winning is perseverance. There is no substitute for hope, however difficult it may be to keep looking at the dream. 

2. Thou shalt keep faith in institutions

Covid is not a problem we can solve individually, we need governments, hospitals, infrastructure. Authorities can make mistakes and the power structure of governments and businesses needs the light of critical thinking. But the assumption that they are all dark lords and out to get us, will get us nowhere. The standard of living in the West has its foundation in the healthy and rational organisations that we have built, and that system is vulnerable. If it rots or crumbles, nobody’s lives will improve. Treat most politicians, medical professionals, government officials as people, just trying their utmost best in a difficult situation.  

3. Thou shalt not weaken science

In the last centuries, technology took us a long way. We have dedicated our most brilliant minds to examine the universe, to look at every human cell under a microscope. Scientists study for years, collect data and discuss hypotheses. Real knowledge represents the best in us. A critical attitude is an integral part, but as we confront the most important challenges in human history, keeping faith in the scientific undertaking is crucial. Appreciate our scientists, respect virologists. Take their results seriously, even if they don’t mirror your opinion. We do not want to go back to the middle ages.   

4. Thou shalt not send fake news

We have to learn as much as possible about Covid and the effect it has on people. The enemy of wisdom is confusion. Online, thousands of nonsensical stories about medicines, vaccinations and dark government plans thrive; but this is not chemical but cynical warfare. You do not want to be the person that pollutes our stream of thoughts, so nobody can drink from it anymore. Before you share that incredible story with the world, spend a couple of minutes on an online search for more credible sources. Most of the time, you learn pretty quickly, that reality was just that little bit different. Or, a lot.

5. Thou shalt strive for solutions

It is not really that interesting who won the debate at all costs, we want to go towards a better world, a happy world without Covid. Counter arguments are OK, but a lot less valuable than proposals. What are your ideas, your alternatives? How would you solve this crisis? Are you contributing or just throwing rocks?

6. Thou shalt treat people with different opinions with respect

To call ‘opponents’ names, to threaten or humiliate them when they tell a different story, that makes no sense. Do you really believe that people will change their beliefs, just by making them small? In stressful times it is easy to end up on opposing and distant sides, screaming to make yourself heard. But try to act as if you were in the same room. Be the gentle voice of reason.

7. Separate the primary from the secondary issues

Every era has its bad actors, and it often gets a bit worse in chaotic situations. Pharmaceutical companies earn a lot of money, some politicians make a career out of people in distress, and you read about entrepreneurs taking advantage of Covid subsidies. It is important to highlight and correct that, but do not get distracted: Covid, loneliness, destruction, those are the enemies. Most people are just good people.

8. Thou shalt support people in need

Most suffering is hidden suffering. The lonely eldery, the entrepreneur in a depression, the patient with yet another postponed operation. The pressure gets to us all. Leave the big stories where they are, you can be the local hero. Call somebody and ask them how they really feel. Attention is a powerful medicine.   

9. Thou shalt inspire

If in a movie everything looks hopeless, the hero rises above the challenges. We need that spark of inspiration, however small, to encourage ourselves. We cannot lift the whole world,  don’t be afraid to organize your own rescue operation on a smaller scale. Show that you will not budge. It does not have to be perfect, today just needs to be better than yesterday. Courage is a must.

10. Thou shalt strive for the best version of oneself.

Smile, cuddle, act, and look through that tear to the horizon.Take after yourself. Covid tests us all and  if we reach our personal peaks, the virus is no match for us. That is the real gift of a major crisis: if we play our cards well, we win. We win ourselves.