To be Become Human is be Pro-Active Instead of Reactive - Sadly, most of us are failing this

I read an article today from BBC on India's response to the pandemic which stated this:

India's response has been largely "evidence-based and reactive when it should have been projection-based and pro-active".

Most politicians are using the phrase "evidence-based" to emphasize what a great, Science-based approach they are taking. I do NOT see this as positive, as it is still reactive. Of course it is better than a mere emotional, non-data based, politically motivated approach but it is sufficient for a pandemic. 

One of the qualities that sets human apart from other animals is our ability to imagine a future BEFORE it happens. That is why we have stories. The book "The story telling Animal" makes the case is that it is telling of stories that allowed us as a social animal to learn and transfer that learning from generation to generation. We did not have to repeat the mistakes of the past and thus avoid a lot of pain and death. Certainly this is one of the purposes of Religion. Pork is banned from Kosher tables for good reason - improperly cooked pork killed people in the past. Given that they did not know about viruses, bacteria and parasites it made good sense to make it a religious ban. Most importantly, it worked! 

Of course today we do not rely upon Religion but on Science - in effect, Science, sociologically, is our "religion" [small r] in that it helps makes sense of the mess called the Universe and guides our decision making. We ignore it at our own peril. Most people now know that but they are only seeing Science as "data". Yes, Science uses data, but the power of Science, like any good story, is that it is a predictive tool. It warns you about what is coming towards you BEFORE it happens.

So, your challenge and the challenge of our leaders, is to now get out of a Reactive mode and into a Pro-Active mode by focusing on the so called "End-Game". How are we going to get ourselves out this mess? How will life be different after the pandemic is over? What changes will I have to make in my life, or my country? I hand you this challenge as you, like me, try to become more human by thinking ahead and making changes BEFORE you are forced to.

Good Luck!

Do what today others won't, so tomorrow, you can do what others can't.

Brian Loop