Richard Dawkins
One of the most respected scientists in the world and the biggest draw in secularism, from 1995 to 2008 Richard Dawkins was the Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University. He is an internationally best-selling author.
I've heard and read a few things circulating around the Internet written by those who would have the world believe that the SARCoV-2 virus is some sort of Doomsday punishment created to teach humans a lesson of some sort. While I fully support a person's right to hold an opinion, even one so diametrically opposed to mine, I also embrace the right to disagree, using fact and tact to ensure that it is a rebuttal and not an attack. For the record, I believe that this current plight is a prime example of the nature's cruelty.
My pragmatic, science-infused opinion is that this pandemic was not caused by some higher power. I was raised in the Reverend Don Jay's United Church and, as an adult, I joined an adult Catechism course through Newmarket's St Christopher under the tutelage of Father Stephen. All of the teachings that I can recall from Rev Jay and Fr Stephen pointed towards a God that was benevolent and loving so I cannot condone the notion that an omnipotent creator is behind the virus' creation. Yes, there are a plethora of religious beliefs spread across the globe, each with their version of a Creator, and portions of every holy book written detailing fits of rage be it floods, plagues or seismic activity, all outlining potential for divine punishment, but I just can't accept that train of thought. I will admit, however, that there are some pretty incredible things in this universe that I can't simply chalk up to chance or coincidence.
My undergrad degree from Queen's University was a dual major in both Physical Education and Biology, so I feel competent in my understanding of the science behind nature and the ferocity it unleashes from time to time. I have read up in viruses during this Social Isolation period, and bolstered by my formal education, have a much clearer understanding of how they infect a host, multiply and mutate. Unless you're a microbiologist who understands the lingo, it's hard to find articles and videos that explain things in "laymen's terms". One of the easiest videos to understand I have watched was posted on YouTube by Dr Eric Berg, an American Chiropractor and author who also has taught nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University - Click Here to watch - although it is more about viruses and what you can do to lower your susceptibility to infection in general. Regardless of your opinion of chiropractors, Dr Berg makes understanding viral infections much, much easier.
DISCLAIMER: Dr Berg uses the title Dr because he is is a chiropractor and not a medical doctor.
Two things Dr Berg talks about were things I had not realized:
1. There can be over 100 Billion viruses in a single litre of sea water.
2. Susceptibility can be controlled through management of both stress levels and nutrition.
Regarding the 1st, once I watched the video and better understood what a virus is and how it goes about its business, I felt a little more at ease with the quantity of viruses he claims are out there. Bearing in mind that viruses are smaller sequences of code that seek out specific hosts or tissues, it makes outbreaks like C-19 much less intimidating, for me, because I can do specific and repeatable things to limit my exposure.
That dovetails directly into the 2nd with the knowledge that I (a) keep the stress reaction in check, (b) ensure that I get a regular amount of quality sleep plus exercise, and (c) plan my nutrition to include a wide variety of foods that are rich in the nutrients Dr Berg refers to. Since retiring in January, I can already notice a change in my eating habits and cravings, a trend that is having a positive effect on my waistline too.
If you're inclined toward science and generally have a need to know how things work, the site Nature.com has an article - Click Here - that does a decent job of explaining what viruses are and where scientists think they came from. It's a little technical in places but I personally found it interesting.
The popular site "How Stuff Works" posted in an article on viruses,
Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands while you hum 20 sec of your favourite song.
DISCLAIMER: Dr Berg uses the title Dr because he is is a chiropractor and not a medical doctor.
Two things Dr Berg talks about were things I had not realized:
1. There can be over 100 Billion viruses in a single litre of sea water.
2. Susceptibility can be controlled through management of both stress levels and nutrition.
Regarding the 1st, once I watched the video and better understood what a virus is and how it goes about its business, I felt a little more at ease with the quantity of viruses he claims are out there. Bearing in mind that viruses are smaller sequences of code that seek out specific hosts or tissues, it makes outbreaks like C-19 much less intimidating, for me, because I can do specific and repeatable things to limit my exposure.
That dovetails directly into the 2nd with the knowledge that I (a) keep the stress reaction in check, (b) ensure that I get a regular amount of quality sleep plus exercise, and (c) plan my nutrition to include a wide variety of foods that are rich in the nutrients Dr Berg refers to. Since retiring in January, I can already notice a change in my eating habits and cravings, a trend that is having a positive effect on my waistline too.
If you're inclined toward science and generally have a need to know how things work, the site Nature.com has an article - Click Here - that does a decent job of explaining what viruses are and where scientists think they came from. It's a little technical in places but I personally found it interesting.
The popular site "How Stuff Works" posted in an article on viruses,
"The human body does have some natural defences against a virus. A cell can initiate RNA interference when it detects viral infection, which works by decreasing the influence of the virus's genetic material in relation to the cell's usual material. The immune system also kicks into gear when it identifies a virus by producing antibodies that bind to the virus and render it unable to replicate. The immune system also releases T-cells, which work to kill the virus. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, though vaccinations will provide immunity. Unfortunately for humans, some viral infections outpace the immune system. Viruses can evolve much more quickly than the immune system can, which gives them a leg up in uninterrupted reproduction. And some viruses, such as HIV, work essentially by tricking the immune system. Viruses cause many diseases, including colds, measles, chicken pox, HPV, herpes, rabies, SARS and the flu. Though they're small, they pack a big punch -- and they can only sometimes be sent into exile."When it's all said and done, the popular notion is that we will be dealing with the covid-19 virus for a sustained length of time, or at least until a safe vaccine is approved to use, much like the influenza vaccine that many receive each winter. No one ever promised that life would be "a piece of cake". These viruses are fairly regular reminders that Mother Nature is all powerful, and despite how intelligent we think we've become, she likes to give us a reminder that we're only guests on this planet ... guests that she could easily evict should she care to. As Dawson alludes, she can be incredibly cruel and indifferent to the suffering caused. Although there are always exceptions, those that behave in the manner implored by the experts will continue with life after our smartest have beaten this thing and, hopefully, we as a species will have learned a valuable lesson.
Oh, and don't forget to wash your hands while you hum 20 sec of your favourite song.
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