Heroes Not Zombies

I took this photo because I liked the way the shafts of sunlight were shining between the trees but when I looked at it later I was struck by how the main sunbeam was lighting up a couple holding hands.

I’ve returned to this image many times.

This is what we humans do. We connect to others. We interact. We form bonds and make relationships. Scientists describe us as “social animals”. Over millennia we have evolved complex systems within us to help us to be aware of others, to learn from each other, to care for each other, to love each other.

During this pandemic, just like during other emergencies and crises we see people put themselves out to care for and help others. In fact, it seems like there has been a heightening of our awareness of our need to connect, belong and interact with others.

The development of the dominant social and economic model based on selfishness and competition has made us all vulnerable to this pandemic.

I hope we grasp this opportunity to change direction and work together to build a different society – one based on collaboration, cooperation and care.

If our core evolved way of living is “social”, then let’s create societies which prioritise that. Let’s make our systems, our laws, our politics and economics support and enhance these fundamental human characteristics.

What would the world look like if we did that?