Post Covid Optimism

History tends to repeat itself. Some of us may be familiar with the phrase, "There is nothing new under the sun". Human behavior and psychology are highly predictable. A research by Northeastern College of Science shows that human behaviour is 93% predictable. They were "surprised to find that the regularity and predictability of individual movement did not differ significantly across demographic categories, including age, gender, language groups, population density, and urban versus rural locations." In the recent Economist article, the editors reminded readers how the 1918 flu pandemic ushered in “a ferment of forward-looking, risk-taking social, industrial and artistic novelty,” and they predict for it to happen in the post Covid era.

It is not a baseless prediction. We've already starting to see signs of "novelty". The disruption (Covid pandemic) has spurred us to think out of the box. We are no longer trapped by societal norms. We are constantly questioning the purpose of old traditions. As we are forced to seek innovative ways to meet the unchanging human needs, we start to ideate and create. Ideas can now be materialized quickly and reach more people through technology and social media platforms. We are no longer limited by time and space.

For example, the accelerated shift for businesses to move online is resulting in greater acceptance of blockchain technology and talk about NFTs(Non fungible tokens). With working from home and online meetings as the default, we are starting to question our relationships, our motivation and what is necessary.

Experts however warn of optimism biasness. In the article, Dr Eric Toner, a senior scholar of Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, shared that the pandemic can cause denial. Human generally lean towards the positive news and may sometimes paint a rosier future than it actually is.

The pandemic has changed our perspectives and challenged our beliefs. It is an awakening. We are less inhibited by traditions and societal norms. Having witnessed that life is unpredictable, we are constantly prioritizing what's really important, including the need to take risks in the pursuit of happiness rather than to regret later. At the end of the day, just like what Nelson Mandela says, " I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."