Covid-19: What the global pandemic is teaching us?

"You will have wasted your life if you learn nothing from this pandemic."

"The 2008 Lehman Shock revealed the ruthlessness of bankers; 2020 exposed the selfishness of most politicians."

The word "Crisis" (危機 in Japanese and 危机 in Chinese) contains the character for "Opportunity" (機 in Japanese, 机 in Chinese), reflecting the belief that every crisis presents opportunities for personal growth. If we learn nothing from this pandemic, we will have wasted our lives.

When the outbreak news first broke on January 18, 2020, I was boarding a flight at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Since then, I've traveled to five Asian countries and seven European countries before being quarantined in Singapore from March 14-28, 2020.

Below are key lessons from my experiences, including travel across continents, a hospital visit, testing negative, a 14-day quarantine, and observing media coverage in various regions.

A) Life in General – What This Crisis Shows or Reminds Us

• The difference between essentials, needs, and wants: you need food, but not a Rolex or LV handbag.
• What truly matters in life: health, wealth, freedom, family, friends, and religion?
• Fame and money are irrelevant if you die, as shown by the deaths of Real Madrid's ex-president Lorenzo Sanz and comedian Shimura Ken.
• We can't eat money—if restaurants and supermarkets close and you run out of food, you starve.
• Complacency is dangerous: on February 20, 99% of global infections were in China; by April, China accounted for only 5.5%.

• True leadership is revealed by action-takers versus "talkers" who offer lip service but no real solutions.
• None of us is immune—leaders like UK PM Boris Johnson, celebrities like Tom Hanks, and fit athletes like Dybala all contracted the virus.
• The wealth gap is growing absurd—while the poor struggle for food, billionaires isolate on $400 million yachts. This is unsustainable.
• Social media has become a primary news source, though it’s increasingly hard to distinguish fake news from real.

Freedom comes with responsibility – If your freedom endangers my health and well-being, it’s not responsibility—it's selfishness. Refusing to wear a mask in the name of rights and freedom, while exposing me to infection, is simply selfish.

  B) The Dark Side of Human Nature – Selfishness

Most humans are selfish—2008 revealed bankers' ruthlessness, while 2020 exposed politicians prioritizing the economy, stock market, and elections over citizens' health.

See below: “The Big Short” summarized the 2008 Lehman Shock perfectly

Human beings resist change and procrastinate until forced, as seen in countries that downplayed the virus and are now severely affected.

"It's always someone else's fault"—a lack of decisiveness and leadership accelerated the spread, yet instead of taking responsibility, the blame-game began.

C) The Healthcare System Needs an Overhaul

The current healthcare system in most countries is flawed and unprepared.

D) Experts don't know everything, especially with a novel case. Use your logic and take action first!

• In novel cases, we are all on the same starting line, and no one has all the answers. Don’t wait for all the facts—take action now!
• Governments aim to maintain calm and avoid panic, often reassuring us even when the situation is uncertain. Governments, being diplomatic, will often assure you that "everything is okay." It's like being on a plane during turbulence—imagine how you'd feel if the captain suddenly said, "We are all going to die."
• For novel crises, rely on logic and analytical thinking—protect yourself and your family first, before waiting for official measures. It’s better to be cautious than too late.

E) We are inter-connected globally – more than ever in the history of mankind

• This virus spread faster than any in the last 100 years.
• Global interconnectivity and increasing cross-country interactions accelerated its spread beyond expectations.
• Solidarity, not division, is key to containing the virus.

F) Wake-up Call for Everyone – Especially the “Strawberry” Generation

The "Strawberry Generation" is tech-savvy, enjoying instant gratification and prosperity while being insulated from past crises like the 2008 Financial Crash. Typically under 32, they grew up in a recovery era, often viewing the world through social media filters, believing comfort is permanent. The current crisis, which disrupts their sense of entitlement and convenience, serves as a wake-up call that life is unpredictable and requires resilience through tough times.

Above are just some of my observations and humble opinion.

1)    What did you learn from this crisis?

2)    What did you observe? What insights do you have?

3)    Did you develop good habits or bad habits during the lockdown?I picked up cardio by jogging 5-10 km, 4-5 times a week, since the gym was closed.

4)    Are you actively contributing to improving the pandemic situation, or simply complaining and watching Netflix every day?

5)    When your grandchildren ask, "Grandpa/Grandma, what did you do during the 2020 pandemic?" will you say, "I stayed at home watching TV," or will you tell them, "I took action and did my part to fight the virus"?

Last but not least: Stay safe, Stay healthy, Stay sane!

AREZZO FOUNDER

HUMPHERY CHEN