The novel corona virus is the latest pandemic to plague the human race after the SARS and ebola outbreaks of the recent past. Unlike it’s predecessors, the Corona virus has proven itself to be deadlier and more communicable, unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Over the past few months, we have witnessed the far reaching effects of the pandemic. Indeed, one may argue that this outbreak has been a cataclysmic demonstration of the “Butterfly Effect” in action, which posits that a minor change in condition on one area of the globe can result in catastrophic outcomes on the other side.
We’ve seen changes in the social constructs that make up society and the rules underpinning them. Nevertheless, the focus of our present discussion will be the philosophical implications this pandemic poses, in light of the philosophical school of thought known as ‘Existentialism’.
In a nutshell, ‘Existentialism’ concerns itself with the ‘big’ questions, i.e. those dealing with human purpose and mortality. Its fundamental principle is that mankind is thrust into a Universe of absurdity and it’s every individual’s responsibility to create meaning.
The Existentialists hold that since human beings are “thrust” as it were into existence, they are condemned to the freedom of their own choices and their inevitable consequences.
One key aspect of existential thought is the fact that humans are mortal beings, we have a birthday and an undisclosed, eventual death day. Thus, to them, each individual must decide for themselves what should occupy their days whilst upon this earth.
On the surface, it may seem like a pessimistic position. However, the endless slew of artistic compositions of music, literature and other creative pursuits spurned by existential thinkers begs to differ.
And today, more than ever before, when a silent killer roams within our midst in the form of an air borne virus, ‘Existentialism’ seems most relevant. Now, in the face of a nationwide pandemic, death stares us in the face and asks us what really matters in our lives? What legacy will we leave behind?
However, this is not supposed to be a daunting realization. Instead, we’re to grab a hold of faith even tighter than we had before and live our lives with greater fervour and zeal. As we don’t know which day will be our last,nor when or where the pandemic will come to an end.
While we do acknowledge the negative impact it has had on the world at large, we do not down play the unexpected benefits. For some, it has been an opportunity to connect with family, rekindle old interests or cultivate new ones, start working on their dreams and learn new things.
The maxim “Carpe Diem” meaning “cease the day” has never been so relevant than it is today. The reality of Covid19 should actually catapult us into being what we’ve always wanted to be, as all our usual systems have been disrupted abruptly. So what will you make of this situation?
ethereal mind 