You hardly need to be told that life has changed over the past few weeks. We are experiencing an upending of our lives.
It was only two editions ago that we delved into Death, and in that edition I wrote that "our fear of death is the ultimate fear of missing out – on all the events, the people, the progress, the battles." Now, here we are, just five months later, missing out yet with life still in us. I also asked two questions: What do we fear we’ll miss out on when we’re gone? And, What should we do more – or less – of while we’re here? I think these questions remain as important as ever.
The upcoming edition is out in a few weeks and although it won't cover the topic 'Health' - we covered that in NP#7 - we would like to include our readers' thoughts on dealing with the unfolding health, social, and economic crises due to COVID-19. Has it changed what you deem to be important? How will the change in the way we interact affect our relationships with one another? What obligations do we have to one another? What does it mean to be human in 2020?
Given the supply chain disruptions worldwide, to deliver your reading material while you are sequestered at home, New Philosopher will arrive in digital format. The upcoming edition - out next month - will be delivered in flipbook, mini-site, and articles will also be available to subscribers via newphilosopher.com. Our digital offering will be frequent and interactive, including your own stories of how life has changed for you and your community. If you’re inspired to write, paint, draw, or talk about the crisis from wherever you may be, send it to news@newphilosopher.com - and we will aim to publish as many stories as possible.
Camus writes in his germane book The Plague: "What we learn in time of pestilence: that there are more things to admire in men than to despise." This will apply to ourselves as well over the coming months, as each one of us is forced to undertake the Delphic maxim to "know thyself". We can only hope that when we reflect on this tumultuous time in years to come that we will admire not only the actions of others, but also our own.
Zan Boag
Editor, New Philosopher
