Now comes evolutionary biologist Rob Wallace with excerpts from a 2017 interview in which he critiques the search for Patient Zero, and argues for a deeper understanding of zoonotic microbial pathogens. Italics added by DP. Images are relayed from the visually rich archive of Sonja Hinrichsen.
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Finally, two stanzas from Corona Radiata, a much longer poem by Fady Joudah:
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Parallel to the coronavirus pandemic, we have a toxic infodemic that magnifies the sense of helplessness and fear. Here at DP, we struggle every day with the question: what more can we do to help navigate such riptides?
At the very least, we can keep a close ear to those who best understand the genesis of what we are facing, such as the voice of David Quammen whose Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic was published in 2012. Excerpts from a recent Orion interview below.
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For a book, we would encourage settling in with Richard Powers’ The Overstory. Two of our favorite quotes below:
“People aren’t the apex species they think they are. Other creatures-bigger, smaller, slower, faster, older, younger, more powerful-call the shots, make the air, and eat sunlight. Without them, nothing.”
“You and the tree in your backyard come from a common ancestor. A billion and a half years ago, the two of you parted ways. But even now, after an immense journey in separate directions, that tree and you still share a quarter of your genes. . . .”
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And finally, a link to an outstanding performance of the Albinoni Adagio, offered as protection against useless panic and fear:
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We begin this week with a favorite passage from Albert Camus’ classic exploration of the psychology of an epidemic, The Plague:
Next come excepts from an interview (2003!) with sociologist Ulrich Beck, who explored related themes of embedded risks and uncontrollability, by other means. Images are bounced from the studio of data artist Laurie Frick, based on visual/material representations of her sleep patterns.
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And finally, returning to Camus:
