Virtual Stoicism

--Originally shared internally on April 13, 2020

A strong community is the natural state of most mammal’s survival. However, one of the main habitat differences between humans and other mammals is our sociality. This is exhibited in many behaviors. For example, when we’re physically present, humans uniquely mirror emotions and movements unconsciously and immediately. Neurons can then process and interpret feelings to help us best communicate with others. This is among several reasons why virtual conferencing doesn’t completely fill the human-connection void during these times of social distancing—it’s legitimately unnatural.

The prevalence of our interpersonal yearning became more apparent this last week as we conducted app user interviews. The question about connectivity and the importance of maintaining culture, was among the most active responses. Notable was the demonstrated need of converting physical socials into virtual socials. Individuals and teams, in and outside of LinkedIn are tapping into another level of intercommunal creativity to connect with clients and colleagues.

“What will the new normal be?” is the question on everyone’s mind. No doubt modern philosophers see the global changes caused by this pandemic in the same way the 17th-century western philosophy greats such as Hobbs, Locke, and Rousseau did after the Great Plague of 1665. It’s fair to ask if a new “Social Contract Theory” is currently being designed, designated and decided. The entire human-condition has changed. How it will change is yet to be decided. However, the best outcome to hope for is stoic.

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