#COVID19, Thanos, the Master Reset

The novel Coronavirus needs no introduction. COVID-19 as the name goes to this specific variant of the Coronavirus, it has taken the world by a storm. While the whole world is reeling from the jolt of the Coronavirus, I wanted to take a moment to do something different. Look at this crises as an opportunity for change.

I like to personify things I cannot see. And COVID-19 reminds me of none other than Thanos. Yes, the character that resurfaced in Marvel’s Infinity Saga.

When I’m done, half of humanity will still exist. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be. I hope they remember you.

- Thanos, Avengers Infinity War

With popcorn in my mouth and 3D glasses, these words ran chills down my spine. And today as I see some of what’s happening, I couldn’t help but have that exact feeling as I was reading the newspaper. But, I digress…

We seek enlightenment and knowledge all the time. But contrary to popular belief, they seek us in the most unexpected places and times. In times of crises. And something like that is what led to me writing this post.

Ever since the second world war ended, the world has evolved quite a bit.

Economies have grown, lifestyles have improved, technology and the birth of the internet created a flurry of new jobs. We all got busy growing families, lifestyles and chasing careers.

We built a lot of systems around us like hospitals, delivery services, banks, money, etc. These systems practically allowed us to focus on a few things and do it really well. But somewhere along the way we got a little too busy chasing careers.

And that’s where I think the Coronavirus seems to have done the impossible.

COVID-19 has hit the Master Reset button of our lives.

When I look around today, here’s what I see happening due to COVID-19:

1. Families are spending more time together. I see parents and kids go for walks, sitting together telling stories, laughing.
2. People are starting to rethink money, and this could bring about lasting changes. Triggered by social distancing, the usage of digital payment systems are starting to see cards and cash as second favorites like never before.
3. People are reconnecting with their hobbies and passion. Triggered by the availability of excess time (saved from office travel) people have started to take time to do things like sketching, cooking, photography, play their favorite musical instruments.
4. People are investing on developing new skills. It’s indeed a great time to learn something new. In fact a lot of people have started to invest time to teach online. Skype classes for music and other online courses are just a few of them.
5. People have started to eat good food. At least immunity-boosting food and supplements this has now become a topic of discussion in many places.
6. The planet has FINALLY found a way to heal itself. The Carbon Monoxide levels and CO2 emissions have halved in countries like China. Drop in fishing and tourism has started trigger a restoration of sea life.

These are just some that I personally observed from looking around me and the news.

Agreed COVID-19 has been devastating (and we still don’t see an end). Fully agree that a magic COVID-19 vaccine is still not ready. There is a lot up in the air.

But for a moment imagine this.

For a moment let’s think that we’ve been able to contain the spread of the virus. And that we have a COVID-19 vaccine too. If all that COVID-19 did was brought about a balance in the world and our lives, wouldn’t all that be worthwhile?

Let’s take the Coronavirus as a life lesson. Can we agree to put back some time every year to do this Master Reset?

Yearends for humanity?

Would a worldwide shutdown be something we all can embrace? Just like ‘weekends’ for humans we have ‘yearends’ for humanity? Can we put humanity first and set aside everything else for a safe future for our children?

Not sure about you. But when I think of a future like that, I just cannot help but quote Thanos:

Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the universe. But this… does put a smile on my face.

— Thanos, Avengers Infinity War

Here’s to a better planet and a better humankind. Please share the article and leave your comments below and let me know what you think.

A note from the author:

If we haven’t met, my name is Karthik. I’m a podcaster, conversationalist and community builder. I have a little message for you:

If you are reading this while the whole world is reeling with COVID-19, you are perhaps working from home or staying indoors. It’s perhaps a good idea to do something useful with the time? Connect with people around the world? Share something with the world?

Well to me it happened with starting a podcast 4 years ago. On April 7th and 9th I’m doing two back-to-back webinars where I’m going to help every attendee start a podcast and grow your audience. Not just any podcast, but one that unique to you. So if you are interested, do signup for the webinar at designyourthinking.com/join.

If you have a friend that you think might be interested, I appreciate if you passed on this link.

Stay safe, stay inspired.

I appreciate you.

Note: This article was first published on my LinkedIn profile.