A Shared Human Experience is one of the strongest ways to increase the strength of a relationship between two or more humans. We see it natural disasters, crime related emergencies, outdoor adventures, travel experiences and any other unusual occurrence, good or bad.
Cross now to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is literally affecting all humans on the planet at the same time. At the time of writing there are 1.35 million confirmed cases and 75,000 deaths. The virus has made its way to 176 of 193 countries worldwide and even those lucky 17 countries are experiencing lockdowns, shortages or other impacts. The coronavirus absorbs all of the nightly news, except the weather, and it is impossible to escape its far reaching effects.
So, as Shared Human Experiences go, it arguably beats world wars, previous pandemics, globalisation, colonisation and perhaps even climate change. Not necessarily in the severity of the impact it has on each of us individually but certainly in its reach across all humanity. And I saw last night that a Malaysian Tiger at the Bronx Zoo had also contracted Coronavirus.
Is COVID-19 then humanity's greatest ever Shared Human Experience. For timing, reach and commonality across borders I would argue yes.
With Shared Human Experiences being catalysts for stronger relationships, perhaps there is a burgeoning and unsurpassed opportunity for stronger bonds between all cultures in all countries. Several consequences arise:
1. cultural differences are transcended as we all try to manage the fallout from the virus
2. instant bonds are created between us all, whether we are friends, family or complete strangers
3. we all have the same enemy, which we automatically collaborate to defeat
4. relationships are strengthened with a common purpose
5. we have an opportunity to share our creativity with regards to how we are managing the impacts of the virus on each of us
I can't help but think that this could be just one result that could join all of humanity towards other challenges. Climate change comes to mind. I am intrigued to see if COVID-19 uniting us in battle forms an army that can go on to greater things.
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