Chapter 1: Understanding Societal Reactions to the Plague

The reflections presented here focus not solely on the plague itself but rather on how societies respond to such crises. It’s intriguing to observe how easily an entire population can perceive itself as contaminated, leading to self-isolation and the suspension of daily life, including work, friendships, love, and even political and religious beliefs. The lack of protests or dissent during such times raises questions. One hypothesis worth considering is that the plague may have already existed within our societal fabric. The circumstances of daily life were so intolerable that the appearance of an unexpected event acted as a catalyst, revealing the underlying reality.

This situation presents a potential silver lining: in the future, individuals may reflect on whether our previous way of life was truly appropriate.

Another crucial aspect to contemplate is the heightened need for religion that this crisis has unveiled. The media’s relentless use of eschatological terms, particularly the frequent invocation of "apocalypse" in American discourse, speaks to a yearning for meaning. In a time when traditional religious institutions struggle to fulfill these needs, it seems that society has turned to science as a new form of belief. Like any faith, science can evoke superstition and fear, or be harnessed to propagate them.

The current climate has become a stage for a spectacle reminiscent of religious crises, characterized by a cacophony of conflicting opinions and recommendations. This ranges from a marginalized group of dissenting scientists who downplay the severity of the situation to the mainstream narrative that often diverges significantly regarding how to address the crisis. Historically, certain experts have aligned themselves with those in power, much like the religious disputes of the past, where rulers supported various factions based on personal interests and imposed their will.

A troubling observation is the evident disintegration of shared beliefs or faith. It could be argued that humanity has lost its belief in anything substantial, save for the instinct to preserve biological existence at all costs. Such fear of mortality could lead only to tyranny, embodied by a monstrous Leviathan wielding a bloody sword.

As we move beyond the declared emergency, if that day ever arrives, it seems implausible that life will simply revert to its former state for those who still possess a semblance of clarity. This notion of an irreversible change is perhaps the most disheartening takeaway — even if, as once stated, “hope has been granted only to those who have lost all hope.”

March 27, 2020

Translated by Paul Vangelisti

Note: This is a repost with the translator's permission. Other translations are available on Medium. The author has expressed interest in sharing these writings widely. This is the first of three, followed by Social Distancing and A Question.

Section 1.1: The Role of Science in Modern Beliefs

The current reliance on scientific discourse reflects a broader shift in how society seeks understanding and comfort.

Chapter 2: Reflections on Historical Plagues and Modern Parallels

The first video titled "The Black Death - An Eyewitness Reflection" takes a closer look at historical perspectives on the plague, examining firsthand accounts and their relevance today.

The second video, "Webinar: The Great Plague Scare of 1720: Reflections in the COVID Era," discusses how past pandemics inform our understanding of contemporary crises, drawing parallels between historical fears and current societal responses.