COVID-19 used a pick-up line and Celibacy left the bar

Once upon a time Chlamydia was a viral disturbance. One may, or may not have been in a rush to the pharmacy to remove the infection from their pants. Today, the world shuts down: communities contain within their jurisdictions, toilet paper stocks rise on Wall Street and racists curb focus on Chinese neighbors from behind a mist of air freshener. How does a violent flu pandemic affect our sexual behavior?

Tinder, SeekingArrangement, SugarDaddy. Online dating apps may take a healthy step-down (aka a savory decline in users) as societies tighten their grip… to battle the contagion.

How might our economy use the coming months of quarantine and social-distance to turn-off and meditate. To question. To find a purpose. To realize, perhaps that minimalism, creativity and innovation are as satisfying as a conquest. Pushing oneself to solve, to become more nimble in adapting to new terrain, in offering to help thy neighbor, to reconnect with relatives is a major part of rehabilitation. Might we at last begin to heal?

While a root to the outbreak is still unknown, scientists continue to study insects and mammals. Exotic imports to China are highly sought after for mutilation and consumption to whet superstitions in an ancestral quest for immortality. This speaks more clearly to societies (yes, every society) about addiction to flesh, desire and idolatry.

Is this how humanity will overcome sexual addiction? Adultery? Perversion? Is this what it takes to draw focus on our mannerisms, hygiene and ethics?

While Trump announces national emergency and the world grips for mass burials, financial recession, locust swarms and an imminent fire season during drought, our considerations are forced inward. Who am I and how can I improve myself? And largely, how might improving myself, oneself, affect and preserve an entire economy.

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