We’re currently experiencing a very unusual situation with this virus, COVID-19, which arrived out of the blue without any warning! What strikes me—aside from the lack of preparation, which may be due to a lack of time—is human behavior. Many seem to have adopted completely irrational behavior over the past few days. The toilet paper frenzy is a perfect example of this collective madness.
I am deeply appalled to see people buying a year’s supply of toilet paper, six months’ worth of pasta, and other groceries in such large quantities without thinking of others. This issue affects us all, and even though the elderly deserve even more attention, we must act with others in mind as well.
The second thing that strikes me is the contradictory behavior many people are exhibiting. Indeed, why go to the trouble of buying hundreds of dollars’ worth of food with the intention of isolating yourself, only to then gather at restaurants with family or friends that very same evening?
So I wonder if our society today is facing selfishness or the self-centeredness that has developed over the past few years. I’m not exactly sure which of the two is the better term! You’re free to decide based on your own perspective on the situation.
Personally, I believe that the best term, given recent events and behaviors, is egocentrism. Why? Because people who exhibit egocentric behaviors are less aware of them than selfish people, who own up to their actions. Furthermore, egocentric people often have a hard time understanding the needs of others. They’re focused on their own needs and immediate impulses.
I hope we’ll get through this crisis and that our society will emerge stronger without too many human losses. Let’s think of all those on the front lines and thank them as well—the healthcare and emergency services workers who are there for you, putting their own health and well-being aside. These are the people who set aside their own families to be there for you. I’m writing these words with my own spouse in mind, who is currently with the Fire Department and whom I likely won’t see again for several days.
Let’s all take action and adopt the right behaviors to help curb the crisis.