What? You Want to Live Forever?

 

If you die within the next six months, it will not be from the Coronavirus. Caveats for septuagenarians with pre-existing respiratory problems and/or compromised immune systems.

I cannot top @cliffordbrown or @rodin at racking and stacking the statistics and infection data about this virus. Instead, I find the all-American freak-out worth remarking on. One can hardly blame the Great American Public for its trepidation. The reporting by our junk-bond, partisan, hysterical press is one more piece of evidence for the contention that we have a garbage media. I understand that “if it bleeds, it leads,” but the hair-on-fire, doomsday plague reportage impedes our citizens’ ability to perform a decent assessment of the situation.

All that, though, is not the source of my frustration. We’re Americans; a full-fledged freak-out over a rooty-poot virus is unseemly. As quantified on other Ricochet posts, the swine flu, the bird flu, and the M1A generic, seasonal flu reap lives in numbers that are orders of magnitude greater than the Coronavirus.

There is a profound lack of perspective evident in the freak-out. Every morning when you wake, and you haven’t died in your sleep is a gift. Every morning, as you prepare for your day, you should be cognizant of the myriad ways you could face an untimely requirement to shuffle off this mortal coil. Some of the risks can be mitigated. Many can come out of the blue, and whatever risk mitigation measures you’ve employed, you’re going to wind up deader than fried chicken.

Most people, I think, are intellectually aware of the fact that they will die. Too, most are aware that their ticket might be punched far earlier than they would wish. That is a myopic view of life. One needs to accept mortality on a visceral level.

Not accepting, and contemplating, the uncertainty of life prevents a full appreciation and celebration of the gift of life we’ve been given.

Every dawn we meet hale, whole, and hearty is a cause for profound gratitude, and every sunset should evoke the same. I don’t like the term carpe diem, because it hints at an excuse for wanton hedonism (now, carpe per diem is a whole different proposition). But, one should treat each day as a gift, love family and friends as much and as hard as we can, and be ready to meet our Maker.

There is some wisdom to be gained from the philosophy of the samurai of yore. That wisdom is limited, in that upon the initiation of the Tokugawa shogunate and the melding of Zen Buddhism and Shinto, the samurai became members of a pseudo death cult. Still, I found this quote to be relevant.

Every morning a warrior should recommit himself to death. In morning meditation, see yourself killed in various ways, such as being shredded by arrows, bullets, swords, and spears, being swept away by a tidal wave, burned by fire, struck by lightening, dying in a earthquake, falling from a great height, or succumbing to overwhelming sickness. An elder warrior said, “Once out of your front door you are surrounded by death. Once you leave your gate you are surrounded by enemies.” This saying is not merely a parable, but a way to prepare for your fate.

Don’t forget to put life into living.

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  1. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    I know a lot about math, engineering, many areas of science, the military, music, literature, history, and many other topics.  I usually know enough about these subjects that I can often know my own limitations and where I can discuss something with confidence.  People may disagree.

    There are a few subjects that I admit that I do not understand and probably won’t ever understand.  Quantum physics and relativity are such subjects. I’ve tried to grasp the dead/alive cat and relative time and such, but I confess that it just doesn’t make sense to me.  My suspicion is that we will someday find a way to explain quantum physics and relativity such that it is more logical, but for now it’s all mysterious to me, though the theories appear to work somehow.

    A lot of medicine is nearly the same.  I used to think I had a basic grasp of medical science, but the older I get the more I realize that I don’t know much about it at all.  And the topic of this virus is one example.  My natural impulse is to believe that the threat is overblown, but the experiences of other countries coping with this disease convince me to just shut up about my skepticism.  Of course some reactions are foolish, such as hoarding toilet paper (my wife has our closet stuffed with rolls, because everyone else is buying and I guess we can’t be the ones left out), but it really does seem sensible to take the precautions being recommended now before it gets bad.  I think the economy will suffer greatly, but if the virus is as bad as they say then not acting would make the economy much worse.

    What I don’t understand is how does the virus ever go away?

    • #61
  2. ShaunaHunt Inactive
    ShaunaHunt
    @ShaunaHunt

    I pick up all the junk that goes around. I also have an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder and chronic illness. So, I’m being cautious, but not overzealous. As a Latter Day Saint (Mormon), we have food, water, clothes, and other necessities stored for times like these.

    • #62
  3. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    MarciN (View Comment):

    There are a lot of very good reasons people are extra worried right now.

    I don’t think people are afraid of death per se. They are afraid of losing control. Second to that, they are afraid of the pain in the experience of getting to the other side of the line between life and death. :-)

    And they are afraid of being interrupted. They have things to do, people who count on them. Can I keep my promises?

    I have never lived through something like this epidemic. All the rules I have in my head for how to take care of my family and friends don’t apply. My dependency on the healthcare system–doctors, hospitals, labs, drugstores–is complete.

    I must have missed something.  What about the ~80,000 deaths from the flu in 2018? Just in the US.  Are you only 2 years old, or less?

     

    • #63
  4. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Doug Watt (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Doug Watt (View Comment):

    The only change I’ve made is a dietary change. No more fresh bats, I’m strictly a canned bat type of guy now.

    Marinated or plain?

    Braised bat in an Armagnac peppercorn sauce with a nice Pinot Noir – hmm, yummers.

    With a fried egg on top and Spam?

     

    • #64
  5. Larry3435 Inactive
    Larry3435
    @Larry3435

    Weeping (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):
    The CDC decided to forbid any private companies or University labs from developing test kits.

    Have any idea what their reasoning was for that? (Serious question. I’m only semi-following the situation.)

    The way I hear it, the reasoning was that the test kits developed and produced in other countries (so far) are very unreliable and produce a lot of erroneous results.  I’m not sure which is worse in this situation – false positives (sending people into a panic) or false negatives (assuring infected people that they can go about their business, spreading the virus).  I would just as soon see the CDC spend a few extra weeks and get it right.  Remember, the majority of deaths in the US occurred in a single nursing home in Washington state, and the vast majority of deaths have been among people over 80 with preexisting conditions.  This is not the zombie apocalypse.  Stay calm.

    On the other hand, this being Friday the 13th, I’m going to stay home today.

    • #65
  6. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    Larry3435 (View Comment):
    This is not the zombie apocalypse.

    Darn it.

    • #66
  7. 9thDistrictNeighbor Member
    9thDistrictNeighbor
    @9thDistrictNeighbor

    I don’t quite see the issue over test kits.  How would knowing exactly what the patient has change treatment?  You treat what is presented to you.  There is no magic pill for this virus, nor any virus.

    The CDC sounds like it has been sailing through the bureaucratic backwaters for quite some time.  

    ShaunaHunt (View Comment):
    So, I’m being cautious, but not overzealous. As a Latter Day Saint (Mormon), we have food, water, clothes, and other necessities stored for times like these.

    I’m not LDS, but back after 9/11 I started keeping some things on hand.  Storing extra food and supplies sure helped when we had some financial difficulties, not just in a panic situation like now.  LDS authors and companies who cater to LDS have lots of good ideas and products for organizing storage.

    • #67
  8. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    Seawriter (View Comment):
    Instead of worrying over the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, I am looking for the benefits I gain from it. One example: my commute to work has dropped by 5-10 minutes each way this week. (Although that might rather be due to spring break. On the other hand, a big drop occurred in the middle of the week after the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo prematurely closed its doors for the year.)

    Definitely coronavirus. After Tuesday next week the benefit I get from coronavirus is I no longer have to commute to work. And I will have a lot more time to write my books. I was getting behind on that.

    • #68
  9. Jerry Giordano (Arizona Patrio… Member
    Jerry Giordano (Arizona Patrio…
    @ArizonaPatriot

    9thDistrictNeighbor (View Comment):

    I don’t quite see the issue over test kits. How would knowing exactly what the patient has change treatment? You treat what is presented to you. There is no magic pill for this virus, nor any virus.

    The CDC sounds like it has been sailing through the bureaucratic backwaters for quite some time.

    I think that the test kit problem is a big deal, not because of treatment, but because of quarantine.  You want to be able to quarantine carriers, and if you can’t test, you’ll probably have to quarantine a huge number of people who do not have the WuFlu.

    • #69
  10. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    Kozak (View Comment):

    Weeping (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):
    The CDC decided to forbid any private companies or University labs from developing test kits.

    Have any idea what their reasoning was for that? (Serious question. I’m only semi-following the situation.)

    Yeah.

     

    “We’re from the CDC and we got this. Stand back”.

     

    Is that an actual quote?

    • #70
  11. Kozak Member
    Kozak
    @Kozak

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):

    Weeping (View Comment):

    Kozak (View Comment):
    The CDC decided to forbid any private companies or University labs from developing test kits.

    Have any idea what their reasoning was for that? (Serious question. I’m only semi-following the situation.)

    Yeah.

     

    “We’re from the CDC and we got this. Stand back”.

     

    Is that an actual quote?

    No that’s the gist of what happened.

    • #71
  12. JimGoneWild Coolidge
    JimGoneWild
    @JimGoneWild

    Awesome!

    • #72
  13. JimGoneWild Coolidge
    JimGoneWild
    @JimGoneWild

    Concretevol (View Comment):

    For what it’s worth, everyone I am talking with are just making fun of the freakout. I have whiskey and guns…..bring me the Corona Zombies!

    You need ammo for the guns too.

    • #73
  14. Samuel Block Support
    Samuel Block
    @SamuelBlock

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):

    For what it’s worth, everyone I am talking with are just making fun of the freakout. I have whiskey and guns…..bring me the Corona Zombies!

    You need ammo for the guns too.

    And while you’re out getting ammo, maybe grab just a little more whiskey. 

    • #74
  15. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):

    For what it’s worth, everyone I am talking with are just making fun of the freakout. I have whiskey and guns…..bring me the Corona Zombies!

    You need ammo for the guns too.

    I figured that was implied.  I mean, you don’t say “I’m ready to go.  I’ve got boots and bootlaces.”

    • #75
  16. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this.  So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    • #76
  17. JimGoneWild Coolidge
    JimGoneWild
    @JimGoneWild

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):

    For what it’s worth, everyone I am talking with are just making fun of the freakout. I have whiskey and guns…..bring me the Corona Zombies!

    You need ammo for the guns too.

    I figured that was implied. I mean, you don’t say “I’m ready to go. I’ve got boots and bootlaces.”

    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo. “Hey, I’m ready for Armageddon — see, Jim Beam!” And I see a pint, well he’s not entering my encampment. Maybe if it’s a pint of Buffalo Trace we’ll let him in but he has to clean the port-o-potties.

    • #77
  18. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.  

    • #78
  19. Eeyore Member
    Eeyore
    @Eeyore

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    Larry3435 (View Comment):
    This is not the zombie apocalypse.

    Darn it.

    Now THAT would be a sight – The Boss wielding mace and flail through the Z.A.

    • #79
  20. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    • #80
  21. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.

    I’m in favor of Corona and choose it 9 times out of 10.  It tastes much the way beer is supposed to taste.   (This is fact, not opinion.)

    • #81
  22. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.

    I’m in favor of Corona and choose it 9 times out of 10. It tastes much the way beer is supposed to taste. (This is fact, not opinion.)

    I called up a friend yesterday and told him I had a case of Corona. He hung up on me when I asked if he wanted to come over because I wanted share it with someone.

    • #82
  23. Phil Turmel Inactive
    Phil Turmel
    @PhilTurmel

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    Calories?  Lactic acid dispersal?  Oxygenation?

    Some of us will do better with those “reloading” tasks than others.  /:

    • #83
  24. Phil Turmel Inactive
    Phil Turmel
    @PhilTurmel

    Seawriter (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.

    I’m in favor of Corona and choose it 9 times out of 10. It tastes much the way beer is supposed to taste. (This is fact, not opinion.)

    I called up a friend yesterday and told him I had a case of Corona. He hung up on me when I asked if he wanted to come over because I wanted share it with someone.

    I’d probably hang up, too, under both meanings.  Bleh.

    • #84
  25. Postmodern Hoplite Coolidge
    Postmodern Hoplite
    @PostmodernHoplite

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    • #85
  26. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Postmodern Hoplite (View Comment):

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    • #86
  27. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.

    I’m in favor of Corona and choose it 9 times out of 10. It tastes much the way beer is supposed to taste. (This is fact, not opinion.)

    We’ll have to disagree about that claim.  I’m not sure what “supposed to taste” like means.  Beer has been made in a bewildering number of styles since a few thousand years BC.

    • #87
  28. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Percival (View Comment):

    Postmodern Hoplite (View Comment):

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    That is an awesome gif!

    • #88
  29. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Skyler (View Comment):

    Stad (View Comment):

    Concretevol (View Comment):
    bring me the Corona Zombies!

    Actually, I’m having an ice-cold Corona as I type this. So far, homeopathic medicine works!

    Well, it’s good to know that that yellowish drink is good for something.

    I’m in favor of Corona and choose it 9 times out of 10. It tastes much the way beer is supposed to taste. (This is fact, not opinion.)

    Actually, I prefer Dos Equis dark.  It tastes better when you pour it to make a head, as the flavor gets intensified by the bubbles.

    By the way, I’m the second most interesting man in the world . . .

    • #89
  30. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Phil Turmel (View Comment):

    Boss Mongo (View Comment):

    JimGoneWild (View Comment):
    Yes, but with Corona Zombies, you need lots and lots of ammo.

    Don’t forget: blades don’t need reloading.

    Calories? Lactic acid dispersal? Oxygenation?

    Some of us will do better with those “reloading” tasks than others. /:

    Psssst:  Tell him those blades will need resharpening . . .

    • #90
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