There are two main sides in the corona debate: (1) the minimalist approach (eg, conspiracy, flu, hoax), and (2) the maximalist approach (eg, absolute numbers, pandemic). I do not belong to either side. The Covid-19 disease is real but its impact on human lives is minimal (ie, an average fatality rate of 0.05% or 1 in 2,000 humans). I am flabbergasted by the arguments on both sides.
A few days ago, a friend made a casual remark on herd or group behaviour (in Dutch: kuddegedrag). Her remark opened a new line of thought. Before, I had one main explanation: the infinity of human stupidity (my recent blog). Herd or group behaviour softens that stance (a little). Following (misguided) leaders is quite common amongst animals and humans.
Late 2016, the scientific journal Biology Letters published an intriguing study on pigeons resisting their misguided leaders (eg, Biology Letters, NYT). Only a few days ago, other scientists published findings indicating that some birds (ie, carrion crows) have consciousness (Futurism). Usually consciousness is attributed to humans and occasionally to primates or other mammals.
Obviously, the 2016 pigeon study already suggested animal consciousness as herd behaviour is viewed as the default behaviour for animals. The Wiki definition for herd behaviour focuses on animals but does include humans and gives various examples. Often, humans prefer belonging to a group, and avoid becoming an outlier (eg, at home, school, sport, work).
I have a strong preference for independence (eg, financial, intellectual, social). Hence, I often avoid groups. Probably, this explains describing myself as a lone wolf (eg, my blogs of 3 July and 22 July). Throughout my entire life, I have looked at my superiors and asked myself if I could do better. Usually, my answer was affirmative. This resulted in a career free of fear.
Fear probably also explains herd behaviour. A group is stronger than an individual and thus protects its members against outsiders. The problem in any group is its leader. After ample consideration, I’ve concluded that I don’t qualify for a leadership role (eg, my doubting, independence, reluctance for lying). Nevertheless, I’ve often been an intermediary between a group and its leader.
Today, I use my writing for opening people’s eyes and minds. In our increasingly polarised societies, my writing feels more and more like a lone voice in the wilderness. In other words, a lone wolf howling at the moon.
Lone Wolf (1990) by Hank Williams, Jr.
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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