Resilience, embedded in human nature since birth, continues to overcome a great many crises that we can dare count on the fingers of our two hands. Every time one of these challenges tried to hold us tight in its grip, our unique power of creativity has managed to free us without too many battle scars.
The creativity I just alluded to, especially in times such as now, happens to be the sole possession of the human race. Thanks to this tremendously dominant trait, we have always managed to outclass and outsmart the apparently insurmountable trouble with the least possible collateral damage.
The two devastating World Wars could not manage to suppress our growth even a wee bit. On the contrary, we have come out much more robust, a lot more productive, and also, at the same time, genuinely more caring in terms of cooperation beyond borders. With an insatiable urge to assert misguided supremacy over the entire world, self-centered leaders forced other nations to prove their allegiance to their own destructive policies. Resistance led to repeated catastrophe.
Millions of innocent victims, both civilians, as well as the unfortunate soldiers, deserve our utmost respect. In the same breath, I would also like to salute them with a tribute for their courage, valour, steadfastness, and last but not the least, respect for their faith. All things combined, we have our freedom, rid of evil leaders that wreaked havoc in their quest to destroy the very fabric of human values.
It can be rightfully said each crisis, no matter how unconquerable, did ultimately bow before human steadfastness, and the current COVID-19 is no exception either. As a matter of fact, this harrowing, exceedingly dangerous, and the unimaginably fast-spreading virus has, in blessing, united us all at a global level. The quest for an antidote has already broken all geographic barriers.
The best brains in the fields of science and medicine have focused all their attention on this challenge. Faculty members in universities, research facilities, and leading drug manufacturers around the world have honed all their efforts on this single cause. Chances are more than promising that we shall see the light of day sooner rather than later.
Please allow me to borrow a quote from Thomas Paine (January 1736 – June 1809), the England-born American philosopher, activist, and revolutionary. This gentleman inspired the American Independence Movement against British rule. His words reinforce our hopes for an early victory. “The nearer any disease approaches a crisis, the nearer it is to a cure. Danger and deliverance make their advances together, and it is only in the last push that one or the other takes the lead.”
A common man like myself may not fully appreciate the real logic behind such a bold statement. However, we cannot negate the power of joint efforts, in this case global unison, in quelling the evil effects of this deadly disease. To my mind, this particular piece of wisdom carries more value now, than the combined understanding of a million treatises written on facing challenges valiantly. For sure, he also gave us a sage advise: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Another highly observant reader of character by the name of Robert Freeman gave us a very befitting note from years of his personal experience with outstanding personalities like the Beatles in the 1960s. (He shot the cover photographs for some of their most exceptional albums.) This is where he saw the inherent power of a crisis situation: “Character is not made in a crisis; it is only exhibited.” Sophia Loren, Charles Heston, Andy Warhol, the Boxing Great Muhammad Ali, and other well-known personalities also formed part of Robert’s outstanding portfolio.
Susan Taylor, an award-winning American editor, journalist, writer, and activist of the current era, inspires us with her unmistakeable wisdom. This is how she values the powerful effects of a crisis situation: “Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes, it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.” Faith, the keyword here, can be the most powerful harbinger of a positive outcome; Faith in our Dear Lord to free us of this malady will keep us tuned to the all-encompassing hope of an early solution. Confidence in our scientists and drug manufacturers shall bring us closer to a powerful antidote. Trust in government to put in place preventive measures against further onslaught shall keep us at arm’s length from possible carriers of the germs that spread the COVID-19 virus.
Last but not least, let us learn something valuable from this adage “A crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind.” -Author Unknown. The dangerous wind needs no explanation, but the opportunity may not be as clearly evident to all of us. We need to look no further than the massive influx of a show of compassion and solidarity. ‘Get well soon’ messages from all our near and dear ones, phone calls from concerned well-wishers, and the proactive steps initiated by the community, the city, the county, the state, and the country signify an excellent opportunity for oneness. All of us standing together, with a common cause, and in the quest for protection of every form of life (pets, for sure,) the unique bond of the common good form nothing less than a huge opportunity. As such, let us deviate from the stress of the adverse effects of this crisis and turn it into a reckoning force of high spirits, bar none.
Thank You!
Bharat, as I have always said you are a keen observer of life. You are tuned into people as evidenced by your great article. These are trying times that is working on all of us. I hope you are well, continue to be well, and are staying safe.
I cannot thank you enough, Dear Joel Sir, for your continued support, appreciation, and above all, the most valuable inspiration. You are the epitome of humility in living form. As such, I humbly bow my head in your honor, Sir, and pray for your continued good health as well.
Bharat, the fact of the matter is that I am very prejudiced for you.
And that translates to a Blessing in my vocabulary, Dear Joel Sir!
Friendship is a blessing for all of us. It needed that much more now than it ever has.
Bharat – You provide us a voice is reason that leads us to calmness during this time of great concern and fear. Thank you for your wisdom and strength.
Thanks a lot, Dear Len Sir, for your words of encouragement! Please do not forget I gain my strength from the outstanding TEAM of the most discerning readers, writers, thinkers, and change-makers that Dennis Sir has brought together.
Bharat – Amen to that.