Corona-Virus and Unconscious Mind

In challenging times like this, it can be useful to ask ourselves what is happening in our collective unconsciousness. What are our attitudes to an incident like the Corona-virus outbreak telling us about our culture and the world in which we live?

There is no uncertainty that the Corona-virus is a significant epidemiological threat that calls for our attention and our thorough reaction to avoid further spread. And I can not help but wonder if the emphasis on the pandemic–which is at the cost of many other risks, including climate change and the increasing degradation of our environment –just reinforces the fervor we do not want to tackle those very dangerous environmental challenges. The threats we face are much more serious.



A threat to a person is much easier to understand than a threat to the very survival of our species (as well as many other species). In this way, Corona-virus is a smokescreen–just like other developments in recent history, such as the election of a highly divided president, have diverted us, allowing us to concentrate on minor non-existential risks. It's far more tolerable to concentrate on the reconstruction of the Titanic pipes than to keep the entire vessel from sinking. 



I am concerned though, that some of the' accidental side-effects' of the Corona-virus epidemic are exactly what scientists and climate campaigners have long suggested we have to do if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change: major air travel elimination, general consumerism and world trade. Has our unconscious maybe led us to put in place the very same steps needed to stay away from the worst climate change outcome?

The problem is, however, that when the unconscious is triggered, all too often its consequences are unchecked and unpredictable. A person can see the explosion of the unconscious as an eruption of anger or aggression. Within a broader society, the result may be crashing financial markets and intense social unrest. 



The best way to handle involuntary eruptions in a constructive manner is to make them as aware as possible. In these hard times, there is now a glimmer of hope on the macro level for us: we society must urgently slow down. The Corona-virus now pushes us to do exactly that. Unless the big and far-reaching reforms and steps we are introducing right now are not only seen as a rapid solution for a temporary problem but as transitions to a more prosperous and stable future, this challenge can also become an opportunity.



Our job now is to be geniuses rather than plumbers. For when the unconscious comes and knocks as loudly as it is now, we must listen and take great care.