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* What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since the pandemic began?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:05 pm
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I learned drinking bleach kills China virus.
Comment by Al Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:07 pm
My first question in any job interview moving foward, “what is your telework policy?” If they don’t have one, that’s not an organization I want consuming 50+ hours of my week.
Comment by MakePoliticsCoolAgain Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:12 pm
Stay off internet and Facebook
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:12 pm
This is a real question and I’d appreciate real answers. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:12 pm
That a large part of US citizens will never be considered a Great Generation.
Too many of the current US population would have wet themselves and screamed My Rights during WW2 when they were told what they could buy, when they could but it, how much of it they could and to black out their headlights and use dark curtains and keep light off.
The current gang of Me First, You Can’t Tell Me What to Do, My Rights, are a collection of whining, spoiled cowards who would have never made it through WW@.
Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:13 pm
I learned that competent, honest leadership is everything.
Comment by Lake County Mom Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:15 pm
How relatively sane an introvert can remain during all this. I also still get dressed and keep a regular work schedule if I’m working at home–no sweats or anything too informal.
Comment by downstateR Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:15 pm
How deeply the failure to teach American government and civics in the past generation has undermined civil society.
Comment by West Sider Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:16 pm
That we now have a even large mountain to climb when it comes to the public’s trust in science and data. It will become ever so apparent if and when the an actual vaccine comes to market. We have not seen the real “scare” show against science, yet.
Comment by GR Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:17 pm
The consequences of our country’s extreme partisanship.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:17 pm
I learned a lot of people are very gullible.
Comment by M Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:18 pm
I unfortunately have learned that many Americans are:
1. Selfish in that they only care about satisfying their own personal needs as opposed to the community good.
2. Most Americans have a warped understanding of what “rights” they actually have.
3. We are regressing as a society.
4. People care more about preserving their own personal beliefs rather than analytically examining facts.
This article summarizes how I feel right now:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/covid-19-end-of-american-era-wade-davis-1038206/
Comment by Powdered Whig Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:19 pm
There is a very large segment of our population that have very scary views and represent a great danger to our society. No it is not those who are protesting and not even the looters. The true threat are the Covid 19 conspiracy people. They won’t wear a mask and won’t accept vaccination. They are violent when asked to mask up and have contempt for science.
Comment by Frumpy White Guy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:19 pm
I’ve learned that a significant portion of the population is so self-centered that they will make any excuse to not protect others in defense of “freedoms” they can’t even describe. The idea of Americans coming together in a crisis is gone.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:19 pm
I also learned a lot of people are selfish and hot tempered.
Comment by M Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:20 pm
That we are now a third world nation
Comment by JDuc Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:24 pm
I have learned that I am more kindhearted than most. So many are suffering and so many acting out of anger.
Comment by The Jungle Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:24 pm
Selfishness and a lack of empathy will/are tearing apart my county.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:24 pm
I’ve learned that I actually enjoy a slower, quieter life and am very grateful for my job that I can do from home - regardless of how stressful that can be with a young child.
Comment by Curious Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:25 pm
I learned that people are very selfish (re: the run on basics that people need during this pandemic - wipes, sanitizer, toilet paper, disinfectant spray, etc.) buying up more than you can use and deprive others…when, if you think about it, if you have ALL the soap and I have none, what protects you from getting the virus from me because I have no products to use ?
Comment by Casey Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:26 pm
I learned that people are very selfish (re: the run on basics that people need during this pandemic - wipes, sanitizer, toilet paper, disinfectant spray, etc.) buying up more than you can use and deprive others…when, if you think about it, if you have ALL the soap and I have none, what protects you from getting the virus from me because I have no products to use ?
Comment by UofICPA Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:26 pm
These are totally serious answers:
That I will enjoy retirement when it is time.
That I enjoy making meals when I don’t feel rushed.
That a good portion of the population believes unbelievable nonsense rather than do research.
That a certain segment of the population cares more about their inconvenience than others lives. Can you see any of these people rationing eggs, gas, etc as they did in WWII?
Comment by thoughts matter Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:27 pm
I learned that you really have to comment early on these types of threads, or everyone has already said what you wanted to say.
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:27 pm
History repeats itself. Every. Time.
Comment by Smoke Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:30 pm
I learned all the remote backup systems that were in place basically worked fine, but I miss the personal interaction of associates and employees at work.
I also miss getting out to hear music, see plays and go to sports events. I learned I should have interacted with friends more and traveled more. I should have taken advantage of all the opportunities I had to visit museums and have dinners or events with friends.
Looking forward to getting back to “ normal” which is going to include making changes in the way I live life.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:31 pm
It is hard to separate politics from health and safety. While I believe most doctors are completely at helping their patients and the public, they are not able to runs the economy as such. In my experience they truly want to save lives and at least have those they care for live better lives. But to put that together with a plan to run the economy it a work in progress. Maybe the key is that we learn a lot from this and answers are not immediate. Trying to get accurate information in the information age is not easy.
Comment by cler dcn Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:31 pm
That things like pandemics, vaccines and masks can be politicized.
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:31 pm
forgot the namev-sorry
Comment by Red Ketcher Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:32 pm
Things I learned;
Where real friendships are.
How much I love my family.
Humor is a cornerstone, never an afterthought.
Look for the helpers, be one of the helpers.
Stop complaining, so many have things so far worse.
Health is everything, mental health is as important as anything.
A text or a call can change everything for someone.
Grudges are worthless wastes of time.
Be a good soul, you never know what others around you are dealing with.
Wants and needs are miles apart.
Smile behind a mask, your eyes will tell others.
Hydrate, “think, laugh, cry”, live full days as best you can.
Finally; doing what’s right for the greater good means sacrificing. If it were easy, we’d all do it far easier.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:32 pm
I have learned that the Republican’s/Libertarians desire for no or small government is complete lunacy.
Every society needs some form(s) of leadership and or guidance to make sound, reasonable decisions in the interest of the common good of the tribe/people, etc.
The challenges facing humanity at the local, state, federal, and globally are too complex to leave to individual choice and “rights” or ideologies.
https://www.thesun.ie/video/film/classic-michael-douglas-speech-in-aaron-sorkin-movie-the-american-president/
Comment by Big Jer Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:33 pm
Biggest? Probably that some people can be unbelievably kind and nice when not expected; that other people can be complete (probably banned word) over minor stupid things.
I’ve also learned:
that there is a definite difference between name brand paper goods and some of the generic stuff.
that the habits I inherited from my parents on stockpiling food and other necessities for hard times do apply in real life
that I was probably spending a ton of money eating out.
that I can be perfectly happy staying home as long as I have lots of mysteries to read … and that I had lots stockpiled.
that late night drives with the wife in her convertible are to be cherished.
that I really don’t like crowds now … but then I only sometimes tolerated them before.
that now that people are getting back out, a lot of them need to take driver training again
and on a lighter note:
my distrust of politicians has been confirmed
and I can’t believe Bigfoot’s name is Daryll
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:34 pm
We need sports but the super stars of the sport aren’t as important as we once thought. A certain portion of the people in this country are selfish. Don’t believe what you read on line and on facebook. Much of it is either wrong or so heavily bias that it is sickening to read.
Comment by Ginhouse Tommy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:36 pm
Politicians don’t care about us, police don’t want to protect us, half of our neighbors don’t care if we die, and Americans lack any collective will to do any good in this country
Comment by Bob_Loblaw Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:36 pm
Every medical expert has a different opinion concerning the effectiveness of masks. The so called virus issue has become a political blame game.
Comment by Just Curious Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:38 pm
I have learned that along with civics, basic statistics should be a required class.
Comment by Andy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:39 pm
H. L. Mencken is still right.
“No one in this world, so far as I know … has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people.”
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:41 pm
I’ve learned good and bad lessons, mostly that the pandemic has changed changed me. I see life and politics different now.
I’ve learned that selfish people become even more selfish in the face of a global crisis. (Wear a damn mask.)
I’ve learned that people will use a legitimate health crisis to create an illegitimate political crisis. (Stop filing lawsuits and let the Governor’s office do their job.)
I’ve learned that family and real friends are more important than politics or political shenanigans. (The city is burning and people are dying - it’s not the time to hold random press conferences or make statements solely to make you feel legitimate)
I’ve learned that when you’re really down, you’re truly lucky if you have a few good people who can pick you up and make you smile or laugh. Nothing is better than laughing.
Maybe most important, I learned I’m grateful that Illinois legalized cannabis. Very, very grateful.
Comment by southsider Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:42 pm
I have learned to wear a mask, social distance and have social events with family outdoors.
Comment by pool boy Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:43 pm
The importance of being resilient.
It is one of the most important qualities in a person.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:44 pm
I learned that we have become a global embarrassment and pariah, with our standing diminished. We are fighting not only a deadly pandemic but forces that are purposely making it worse: the president, anti-maskers and other state leaders who reopened too soon. Florida and Georgia set daily death records yesterday—remember when certain people were praising those states for reopening early?
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:44 pm
I’ve learned that it’s not what happens…but rather how we react to what happens that matters.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:45 pm
I learned it was best for me to totally recalibrate who I consort wity. Before COVID hit, I was willing to affiliate with a lot of people simply because of my personal history with them. (I.e. HS friends, Friends of most of the people I’m related to by blood or marriage, people who fit that last phrase)
The lockdown, and potential for future ones gave me a LOT of time to think. What came of it was, a revelation the folks I listed in parenthesis were holding me back spiritually and emotionally. Considering the fact I have mental disabilities [Bipolar,ODD, ADD, PTSD, and a half dozen others without abbreviations] being held back like that wasn’t conducive to my health. So, I disavowed those people’s existence, and feel worlds better.
Comment by Tynie Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:46 pm
I’m sure this will sound sappy, but it’s what I’ve learned.
My Dad who’s been gone 34 years alway said to me your true friends will always be there when the rest of your friends will just stand by. When the shelter in place started my life was turned upside down. I’ve always been a people person and being retired I would be out many days with people. Then that came to a sudden halt. After week one I was climbing the walls. Two of our truest friends knew I’d be having a hard time so they agreed to not go anywhere or see anyone for two weeks. My wife and I did the same. So we could have a bar nights at my house and be safe. We made the quarantine club and it proved my Dad was right. We took every safety precautions and had no one get sick through the whole time. We drank a lot of beer and whiskey. Laughed and loved. All the time saying every once in awhile what Pops said.
Friends come a dime a dozen, but true friends come once in a lifetime so grab ahold of them and never let go.
Comment by Club J Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:47 pm
I’ve realized that one of the biggest cultural elements that distinguishes the US from other developed countries is the pervasiveness of a radical individualist mentality in the US.
This is the mentality behind refusing to wear masks and probably to some extent behind refusing to listen to experts or trying to discredit them. It explains many other problems in our society, and is one of the biggest issues we’ll have to reckon with if we want to become a more just and equitable society.
Comment by Techie Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:48 pm
I have learned (or at least been forcefully reminded) that people will show their true colors in the midst of a crisis.
Comment by Tim Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:52 pm
The paperless future is upon us.
Virtual is the new reality.
Comment by Platitudinus Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:53 pm
The pandemic showed me great examples of whom the good people are, which heartened and encouraged me …and just how many around me and around the nation are less-than-good people. And that discovery was frightening. We really do live closer to the edge of Bad Times than I thought.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:56 pm
Handshaking is out-of-date and just plain disgusting. I’ve learned I can be polite and never shake a hand again.
Comment by Taxedoutwest Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:56 pm
In the Before Times, I used to assume that most people I encountered on a daily basis were decent, reasonably intelligent people. I’ve learned that that isn’t true - that now we have a visible marker showing exactly how many people are selfish, stupid, science-denying jerks. It’s called a mask. (And the number of these people has horrified me.)
Comment by A depressed scientist Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:57 pm
I would miss general interaction with humans in the physical world as much as I do at times.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:57 pm
I’m an extrovert. If you had asked me before this, I would have told you otherwise, because I don’t consider myself a “people person.” Turns out, I just don’t like small talk, but I thrive on seeing and interacting with the people I love in person. I hope to never take that for granted again when this is over.
Comment by wildcat12 Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:58 pm
How to bake brownies… lots of brownies.
Comment by A friend Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 3:59 pm
That a large group of people who cannot spell science seem to have the strongest opinions on scientific matters.
And to stay calm and diligent and follow the doctors advice, not the charlatans.
Comment by Teddy Salad Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:00 pm
I wish I could tell you what I learned were positive. I can’t. I’ve learned that words I was taught to live by are just words to the same people that I was taught with, and by some who taught it. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverend. Just words. People who at one time believed that it was everyone’s responsibility to do their own small part to help others succeed no longer feel that way. People are so hyper-partisan and miserable it makes me ill. My “christian” aunts, uncles, cousins, friends seem to think that the golden rule is something that only applies to someone else. The Good Samaritan is just a quaint little story for many. In times of crisis, we learn who the helpers are. Unfortunately, the biggest lesson I have learned is also the saddest; I learned who the helpers aren’t.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:01 pm
Sadly, Iv’e learned that a lot of people are stupid.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:03 pm
I’ve learned there’s a lot I don’t know, but I’m not alone in that fact. I’ve learned that people think I’m open minded when I agree with their view. I can’t be sure, but I believe the dumbing down of our country continues unabated.
Comment by SSL Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:03 pm
Oh, and that there really is a subset of our society that lives in a completely alternate reality that is devoid of facts.
Comment by wildcat12 Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:06 pm
People are more unified over who to root for in the Super Bowl, than coalescing to do the things that are required to save fellow citizens from death.
Comment by Langhorne Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:06 pm
Cherish your older relatives as you may not always be able to spend time with them at the end.
Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:08 pm
Good times make soft people. Soft people make hard times. Hard times make strong people. Strong people make good times. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:09 pm
Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it. And what I’ve seen isn’t pretty.
Comment by Currently Unemployed Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:16 pm
I’ve learned what it feels like to live in a nation that is undergoing a historic decline.
I’ve learned that no matter how bad it is today, tomorrow can (and usually will) be worse.
Comment by sulla Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:20 pm
Political enablers are as dangerous as those they enable.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:21 pm
History does repeat itself ~ all the mistakes, miscues and misconceptions that occurred 100 years ago are happening anew. Spanish flu, President Wilson, and WWI vs COVID, Trump, and trade wars/foreign meddling with our political process. Each era, full triple threat. The only good thing is, with the legalization of marriage, we won’t be dealing with prohibition
Comment by not a newbie Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:21 pm
I’ve learned that for the first time in a long time people who are having children right now are guaranteed that their kids will have a better life than them since we have (God willing) hit rock bottom.
Comment by Slugger O'Toole Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:24 pm
Hey Just Curious-
When you think you’re getting contrary advice, go with the safer option.
Comment by Lefty Lefty Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:29 pm
That Richard Hofstadter is still worth reading more than half a century on.
Comment by Rich Hill Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:40 pm
1. How many people are unwilling to put up with any inconvenience for the greater good, and how common that is in the US in particular.
2. How many rules and prohibitions are arbitrary and can be absolutely tossed. See, e.g., drinking outdoors, liquor/weed delivery.
3. A reminder of just how fragile our consumerist, service industry focused, no safety net charade of an economy is.
Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:41 pm
Some of what I’ve (re)learned to value:
- Patience, resilience, and taking it one day at a time
- Love, family, and good friends
- Good leaders at all levels, whether formal or informal
- Putting the good of all first
Some of what I’ve (re)learned to despise:
- Whining, what-aboutism, blame-shifting
- Self-centered, narcissistic, self-absorbed thinking and behavior
- Denialism, anti-intellectualism, willful ignorance
This crisis has revealed frightening weaknesses in the nation’s institutions, core values, and concern for the general welfare. There is instead a short-sighted obsession with self and entitlement that mixes with twisted notions of rights to create a stew of anger threatening the foundations of our civil and political society. I do fear for the future.
Comment by Flapdoodle Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:42 pm
I learned that some Americans can be the most arrogant and selfish people on the face of the Earth. And I’ve learned that the true character of people comes out in a crisis and its not always pretty.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:43 pm
I agree with Demorialized. I work in public service, and i deal with a number of co-workers who wanted to use this crisis to stay at home and do nothing, instead of helping the public.
Comment by Ike Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 4:47 pm
I’ve learned that you can’t expect common sense behavior out of a significant portion of the populous.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 5:03 pm
I’ve learned the difference between nice to have and have to have and that some things aren’t worth fighting for particularly if the price you have to pay is your life or the ones you love.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 5:05 pm
That Swedish has some interesting commonalities with German and English.
Oh and that the people of Berwyn and Oak Park are mostly responsible citizens who are masking up when they are out and about going places.
Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 5:13 pm
Science-based policy that lacks science’s ability to change with new facts can be as dangerous as policy that starts with no scientific basis.
Comment by muon Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 5:25 pm
that there are people on both ends of the spectrum on the health crisis who are alarmists and not willing to listen to government authorities. It is consistently not helpful to have people who are unwilling to believe what state and local governments set out. so many claim to know better instead of listening to science and elected leaders who have clear vision and are moving forward. we are lacking in common community. on a personal note, I’ve discovered that I can be personally better than I knew at sourcing and advocating for my family.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 6:01 pm
With the current state of America the answer now to the question “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?” world be “Yes”. I just regret that when my kids were young I could have gotten them dual Irish citizenship through their greatgrandparents and never got around to it.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 6:36 pm
I’ve learned so many things:
1. Family and friends are everything.
2. I have fantastic co-workers.
3. Managers who are awful when we are working in the office are intolerable when working from home; great managers are great all the time.
4. I actually don’t mind cooking weeknight dinners when I don’t have to commute to the office.
5. The house gets absolutely filthy when you’re at home all day.
6. BUT, staying home and a slower pace are great.
7. Everyone needs a couple of hobbies.
8. The best cure for the COVID blues is a trio of kittens. I can’t recommend this strongly enough.
Comment by Crafty Girl Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 6:49 pm
1. Reaffirmed my thoughts on how fragile a service oriented society is.
2. Our states dependence on property tax will lead us to a very,very bad place.
3. The two party system will play politics with any crisis.
I think I new this things, but this crisis drove it home.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 7:23 pm
I wondered how a society that been fragmenting for nearly 15 years could sustain a national or global tragedy. I thought our commonality of who we are would prevail. I was wrong, and we are further fractured. Both the left and right have abandoned any facade of civility and I have become saddened to see how my fellow citizens treat each other.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 7:57 pm
How easy it is to manipulate large masses of people.
Comment by Captain Obvious Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 8:19 pm
- Read comments here, then go to Bailey/Devore blogs. It is like stepping into a separate dimension of alien thought. Wear a mask. It is easy.
- Retirement came at the right time. Small town, rural life is pretty good with plenty to do.
- Simply do not go to restaurants anywhere close to pre-covid
- Family and friends are terrific.
- Got Rolling Stones St Louis tickets for the bucket list last February. Refunds still being held for a TBD date. Not sure I want to go if it is held.
- Listen to my daughter and former co-workers with changes that have come their way. Listening is nice.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 10:07 pm
I’ve learned the importance of a strong American manufacturing sector.
I’ve learned the importance of STEM education.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 12, 20 @ 11:08 pm
I learned that our constitutional government is not as functional as I thought it was.
And that reality requires consensus.
Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 2:17 am
I’ve learned that Americans are far removed from my grandparents’ generation who kept a stiff upper lip and rolled up their sleeves to get through the Great Depression and WW2.
Comment by Zim Thursday, Aug 13, 20 @ 9:01 am