We are creatures of habit and this is not the first pandemic humanity is going through so, Dr Nicholas Christakis predicts, we are going to experience another ‘roaring twenties’, just like after the Spanish flu of 1918. “Often a period of exuberant social Interaction.”
Not new
Yale professor and social epidemiologist Christakis describes in his new book Apollo’s Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live a pattern. “What is happening now seems strange and unnatural to many people, but epidemics are not new to our species. They are only new to us. ”
When the pandemic is over, there is usually a festive period in which people often visit each other. Christakis therefore expects a second ‘roaring twenties’, the turbulent period after the First World War and the Spanish flu, in which life was celebrated.
Denial
“During epidemics you see that people become more religious, live more frugally, save money and avoid risk. That has happened for hundreds of years when diseases break out and you can see that now, ”says the professor. Even the disinformation, division and denial are typical or even necessary during a pandemic, says Christakis, emphasizing that there is always enough expertise and confidence left.
Economy
It also happens more often than not that the economy collapses. “A lot of people think the economy is slowing down because of government action, but it’s the virus that’s bad for the economy,” said Christakis. “Even in ancient civilizations, economies crashed during an epidemic and then there was no government closing schools and restaurants.”
Looseness
But all this sobriety provokes a counter reaction. When the shards of the pandemic will soon be swept up, the professor expects by 2024, then a festive time will begin. Everything that was not possible for a long time then happens excessively: the stadiums are full again, just as the nightclubs, art and culture are flourishing. “In 2024, all trends of the pandemic will be reversed. People will look endlessly for social interaction. This may be accompanied by sexual licentiousness, lavish spending and aversion to religion. ”
Bron (nen): The Guardian – .
