I am 75 years old with lungs that were slightly damaged from chemo therapy. I am doing fine being isolated with my wife. We use Zoom tosee the kids, grandkids, and friends.

Not far below the surface I am scared out of my f-ing mind by this virus. I don’t think I’d last a week.

Dr. Mends gives an excellent list of why people, especially younger people, difficulty keeping socially distant. The Optimistic Bias is very powerful for younger, healthy, happy people. Many studies have shown that they have a strong tendency to underestimate risk. If they haven’t suffered much then they don’t anticipate suffering. It comes as a surprise.

Also, with this virus, some statistics show that younger people actually do face less danger. Yes, many do get very sick, and some die, but the threat to them is nothing like what it is to me. It is easy to shrug off, even easier if you live across the country to Grampa.

Humans are hardwired for short-term rewards. They have a great deal of difficulty believing that small acts now can create big problems later. The difficulty getting people to help slow the destruction of Earth’s climate is another clear example of that.

Critical thinking, long-term planning, and connecting cause with effect will defeat this pandemic, save the planet, revive the economy, unite the country, and keep me alive.

Try it. Once your brain gets used to it, you’ll not only see the benefits, you’ll enjoy it. When people see how doing those things improve your life, maybe it will go viral.

critic