Both governments and their opposition – of whatever kind – use fear to bolster support in contentious issues (eg, covid-19). Governments force us to choose sides by threatening us with expulsion from society (eg, fines, imprisonment, passports). The opposition stirs our fears by labelling government policies as a conspiracy and as a brutal attack on our rights (eg, freedom).
Reason has a hard time surviving in a climate of fear. The only antidote against Fear is Love and not reason.
Life is (much) more bearable when you are having a micro view: either you are in favour or you’re against. Life is (much) more complicated when you’re having a macro view because both sides have a valid point. Making a choice is not an option, and neither is being silent if and when you believe in your macro point of view.
In his 2001 book Good to Great, writer Jim Collins introduces the Stockdale Paradox, which contains words of wisdom in a field called survival psychology:
“You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end – which you can never afford to lose – with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”
A quote by Admiral James Stockdale (1923-2005)
The stupidity at both sides of the corona debate is mind-boggling and is wearing me out. They are all focussing on their micro interests while some 200 million additional people worldwide are facing extreme poverty and starvation due to the global covid-19 response following the (current) nearly 5 million casualties. See yesterday’s blog for details: Collateral damage.
Nevertheless, I cannot afford losing hope and faith that common sense will return someday. I know all too well what could and would happen if I lose my faith and/or give up on hope. Hence, the Admiral Stockdale quote above.
Sometimes, I wonder if common sense will ever return. I expect that it will and probably in the shape of an even much bigger crisis. My bets are (still) on a ginormous economic and financial crisis, like the Great Depression of the 1930’s.
There is just too much liquidity in the system which translates into global asset price inflation (eg, bonds, houses, shares). Central banks will have no remedies (eg, lowering interest, expanding money supply) left to counter that new crisis.
That (expected) climate of fear will feel real to everyone and not artificial, like the current one.
Reason (2015) by Selah Sue
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
[Chorus]
She feels lost in her darkness
She feels bad in her darkness
Give her the reason
Just give her the reason to hold on
Give her the reason
Just give her the reason to hold on
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise.
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