The 10 Covid Commandments

Like many of you I am isolating and now hearing stories from the front lines. Colleagues and nearby friends are increasingly being hit by the indiscriminate angel of death. A novel virus that unexplainably brushes some mildly but others it slews expeditiously. And while those of advanced age and preexisting conditions are more easily targeted by the invisible spirit it also slithers between crevices to find those who are neither. As well as unfairly lashes out at the front- line health care heroes. I am desperately seeking a meaning behind this supernatural tsunamic force that has swept upon humanity’s shores. For my own solace, I pen this article but not as the empirically trained and disciplined scientist but rather as a philosopher, and idealist. Science at times takes a narrow view of the truth, one that maybe hindered by blinders. When surreal occurrence cannot be rationally deduced it helps to peek at the universe through a defocused lens. Prior to the scientific revolution, the ancients turned to the gods to explain the inexplicable. It was the only frame of reference that could provide context from which to understand what was happening. And while in a modern era, previous ambiguities such as thunder, comets and earthquakes can be easily understood by middle school students, there remains many natural and cosmetic events that exists outside today’s library of knowledge. And for perplexing dilemmas religion still offers a framework from which to interpret. Some trust only science to explain the unknown. But even Einstein was aware, science is blinding without faith. Where the scientific road ends, is where I pick up the philosophical path to guide me toward understanding. Each route whether it be science, religion, or philosophy provide a different alternative but no one direction has exclusive access. It is when traveling via multiple avenues and viewing the horizon’s haze from various viewpoints that we gain a more complete understanding of the truth. 

As I peer off into the distance, what I see now might be an evolutionary tidal wave originating from the loins of Mother nature and/or God depending on your preferred almighty. These two supranatural superintendents do not like extremes. And when humanity drifts too close to an edge they unleash an external force driving the wavering bound back towards the mid line. Mother Nature, a beast who dispenses fury indiscriminately slaps down all those in her path without regards to emotions, pain and needs but she does it with the tough love and a vested interest in the well- being of the family unit. And because she can see only the anonymous aggregate many prefer an omnipotent compassionate deity who cares for the individual. A god who can be spoken to by anyone from anywhere and anytime and whether alone or within a congregate. Yet despite a soft spot for those created within his/her image the all- knowing mono deity may act harshly and outside what seems just. Despite their punishing wraths, the Supranaturals though have privileged humans with two very sacred gifts, the ability to adapted and overcome any ferocities and secondly faith to believe in something bigger and greater than the individual. Faith, a conviction that provides strength and salvation in the face of brutal ongoing. Therefore, my logical deduction is that both Mother nature and god are now acting with a plan. They have flung the wrathful Covid 19 upon us as a corrective force a, Covid Corrector, with a purpose of guiding us away from a catastrophic edge toward a benefitting middle way. A route that mandates humanity to pause, pivot and propel. 

In the US in particular, we’ve had nearly three generations that have never felt the acute stress of a worldwide conflict. No major wars, economic depressions or pandemics. And as the Greatest Generation sunsets we drift further from their poignant first- hand accounts and sacrificial habits imprinted upon them during the Great Depression and two World Wars. The last 75 years has seen unprecedent wealth, reduction in poverty and greater luxuries available to more people than ever before in the history of human existence. Other than the 2008 economic downturn which by now seem like a blip on a screen we have had a population with a lifestyle focused on themselves and their own pleasure, more so than the collective. Why sacrifice for the aggregate? This is by no means the fault of anyone person or any generation, rather is a natural swing by the Baby Boomers and the GenXers away from the austerity of their parents and grandparents. The Sock Hoppers of the 50’s, the Hippies of the 60’s, the Revolutionaries of the 70’s and the Yuppies of the 80’s built the boats that ferried us into the second millennium where a more luxurious existence, albeit a bit inward facing, could be found.  But now are we in need of a correction, a Covid Correction back toward a Confucius extolled moderation, Hegel described thesis, and a Buddha corroborating middle way? A merging of the ascetism of previous generations with the narcissism of current generations. A path that sets each up to better to know their position in space as it relates to themselves and others. Ultimately leading to a prosperity for all of humanity.   

For your consideration the Covid Commandments:

1.      Respect Thy Elders and Thy Children 

a.      A Generation Z fixated to a 24 -hour non- stop social media cycle with all the emotional volatility common to cyber communications have very little reprieve from the blue screen overdose. Additionally, there is minimal parental oversight as many hours are spent outside the home. In a Covid Correction they may still be on their phones while isolating and perhaps even screen time has gone up as they socially communicate, but closer in proximity parents provide the necessary stops in previously misguided social hunts. Additionally, even without helicoptering, nearby parents lay down unsaid guidelines to acting appropriately. The frontal lobes are not completely developed until the age of 28 and a predeveloped Gen Z may not be as quick to send that insensitive zinger while within a pillow throw of their parents as opposed to when in a gaggle of consorts at a high school assembly. How many socially hostile vortexes have parents seen since isolating? I would venture to guess it has been tempered. Could this be a due to a Covid Correction that has been needed for some time? 

b.      When high schoolers are not sleeping, eating and are excessively stressing over AP classes, grades, and standardized test or when a majority of teenagers are on antianxiety medications, does a Covid Correction which has canceled all testing and school for the rest of the year offer a supernatural reprieve? A minute to catch their breath and allow their minds to expand and explore other creative ventures is certainly welcomed.

2.      Respect Time

a.      When a Generation X which has explosively expanded to a 24/7 professional world that doesn’t prioritize friends, family or kids is now forced to set up virtually from home could a Covid Corrector be in force? Invariably their new home office times are broken up with frequent breaks for themselves and their family. Gen X parents of elementary school children are now responsible for home schooling in math, science and English. Scholastics burdens and tactics that the US hasn’t seen in nearly 200 years. And parents of teenager are finding more couch counseling time drowning out the paper -thin morals imbibed into a generation from unvetted social media influencers. Also, the stretched too thin middle- aged Generation Xers accustomed to short nights, long days and chaotic schedules are now given time to catch up and appreciate slumber, dreams, exercise, crafts and nature. 

3.      Respect Others

a.      The Millennials at times an unfairly targeted generation too often branded as the flag bearer for selfishness is now coming into its own and likely will evolve the greatest from the Covid Corrector. Their ability to adapt and immediately institute their social media, communication skills fit perfectly with a world that is having to cross over into communicating and conducting commerce through a screen. However, the now ripe Millennials will be asked to carry burden and responsibilities for others. They will have to modify their thinking, methods, and technology in order to be inclusive of a wider swath of society recently handicapped by the destructive wrath. A Covid corrector is the rallying call for a generation hungering for a cause and primed to make a dent in the universe.

4.      Respect thy Sabbath

a.      When Sunday evenings have been sacrificed to the manifest destiny of the institutions could there be a Covid Correction bringing families back together? We have an unprecedented well to do suburban family population that has unnoticeably drip by drip given up its sacred family times to the institutions. Mandated Sunday nights dinners by the school’s coaches, community leaders and club coordinators are the norm. Peer pressure to attend is in force as those who don’t attend the “team events” don’t play or participate in Monday’s games and performance. But what about the benefits to Sunday dinners with the family. For many there is only one day of the week when kids, parents and/or grandparents can get together, share and celebrate each other. Could a Covid Correction be at work re-sanctifying family dinners?

5.      Respect thy Nature 

a.      For those who feel that global warming and the climate change has been the world’s greatest existential concern have to wonder if the blue skies over polluted China and dolphins swimming in the clean canals of Venice are not a byproduct of the Covid Corrector? Perhaps a not so subtle message to reduce littering the environment and taking for granted the gift of nature.

6.      Reduce Political Divisions

a.      When a nation that has been so deeply divided politically in a way that hasn’t been seen since the Civil War is now working in unison to serve its constituents could a Covid Corrector be at play? The few that still politicize the current crisis may be seen for what they are as most American’s are losing their appetite for unpalatable divisive speak.

7.      Forge Harmony

a.      When the largest and strongest military force in the world has redirected its military hospital ships back home for the greater good of the country could a Covid Corrector be at work? The entire globe is now under assault from a common enemy. All nations share a mutually aligned interest to defeat Covid. Conflicting tribes, regions and nations are forced to pause, protect and fight together a foe that poses a greater risk and is far more deadly than any conventional bomb, torpedo, or economic attack. Now is not the time to flame conflicts, boycott or antagonize challenging countries. In fact, previously warring nations are accepting aid from each other. World leaders are having to put aside differences as similarities take precedence. Perhaps cooperating efforts forged during the Covid war will lead to post crisis diplomacy and channels better able to quell future conflicts. 

8.      Encourage Commerce

a.      When a hard working capitalistic US society has been overly frustrated, burdened and harnessed by excessive bureaucratic regulations that simultaneously limit aid and opportunity to the underserved is now forced to immediately diminish liabilities, excessive regulation and open up spigots releasing trillions of dollars to all facets of society could it be a Covid Corrector that is at play? Liberals and conservatives are now supporting the same legislation! A notion that previously could have never been imagined. 

9.      Honor thy Holy Servants

a.      When athletes and entertainers who are disproportionately idolized are now taking a back seat to health care workers, civil servants, police and firefighters could a Covid Corrector be at work?  Actors and athletes important to society are highly paid for their unique skill sets yet they are unduly credited as expert outside their realm. And while they may play heroes in a make-believe world in the Covid war they are pampered in their comfortable palaces while society’s true heroes’ doctors, nurses, health care workers along with other loyal civil servants don the masks and capes. These are the truly brave putting themselves in harm’s way for the betterment of society. In a post-Covid period perhaps there may be a realignment of the admiration ladder and greater appreciation for the highly trained and loyal servants of humanity. 

10.  Honor thy Family and Neighbor

a.      When puzzles, paint by numbers, family time, and caring for one another is reestablishing its rightful role on the societal hierarchies could a Covid Corrector be at work?

An eerily historical time, we are participants in a modern- day Exodus inclusive of plagues, pharaohs and angels of death. In our release from slavery of the self, who will be our Moses, when do we safely cross the sea and where exactly resides the land of milk and honey? Regardless 100 or maybe even 1000 years from now today’s events are sure to be recorded mythologically and with an allegorical silver lining. It is unrealistic to think wars, fighting and selfishness will ever be truly abated, but don’t be surprised if we soon receive the symbolic tablets, carved with Covid commandments helping to shape a better more stable society. A power beyond the pale may be sending us a message intended to guide us towards a path of health, wealth and salvation. “So let it be written so let it be done.”

Steve Dayan