There is no doubt that there is a serious virus circulating. Recently, we have seen a spike in cases. Politicians, true to fashion, are legislating behavior to curb the spread. Surely, behavior needs to be modified, but it has to be approached sensibly. Instead, seemingly random numbers get thrown at us and businesses are treated equally instead of equitably (e.g., gyms are closed while massage parlors can remain open—worse was when gym were limited to a specific number of exercisers without regard to size, layout, etc.; churches is Oregon are limited to 25—no matter the size of the building). Thanksgiving dinner is limited to six, this year in Oregon, under penalty of law. I pity the family of seven who has to figure out who has to sit this one out. It is beyond ridiculous.
I am reminded, as I often am, of the Commons (i.e., the “Tragedy of the Common” by Garrett Hardin). While Hardin’s essay was of a different focus, the theme is suitable for this discussion. On one hand, we have a potentially deadly virus (nearly all viruses are potentially deadly by the way). On the other, we have a cry for liberty—the freedom to come and go and gather as we please (to exercise our bodies and our rights). Some, it is quite obvious, want to legislate behavior to control this (and any given situation). Others want complete freedom to do as they so desire. Both come with a cost. This is the tragedy of the Commons: on one hand, we has a few who believe they know what is best for the whole; on the other hand, we have a few who believe their actions have no consequences for the commons. The latter, as in Hardin’s treatise of the Commons do little damage to the Commons—individually. Collectively, however, their actions pose a threat to the Commons.
The idea of liberty in the Commons is beyond COVID-19. It is a call for Wisdom to drive all that we do. We must understand that our actions have consequences, and we must act with concern for others—we must be other-centered. We cannot control others through legislation (If we could, would not this whole pandemic be over after more than eight months of mandates and regulation?). We need to act with Commons-sense.
Whatever the situation, we must understand that we are living in a Commons (not a Collective, but the way). We are free to choose and our choices have consequences. The consequences are natural. The do not need the help of a politician. Thoughtful care and concern for others should drive our behavior. Those who would do otherwise will reap what they sow. Yes, we need some rules in society, but such rules should be equitable and not equal. Rules for favor personal freedom and the welfare of all. They should be well-thought and based on Wisdom—and Science.
I can’t fix the leaders in our capitals, but I can begin with myself. The reader can do the same.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!