Behavioral scientists who studied fear of contagion have found that it makes us more inclined to punish ‘the other.’
STORY AT-A-GLANCE “Behavioral immune system” is a set instincts and acquired habits that help us avoid pathogens in the wild
Behavioral scientists and psychologists who studied fear of disease and contagion found that it makes us more inclined to punish those who don’t follow the official rules
During COVID, our natural “sense of disgust” was cynically used to manipulate our emotions and behavior
Some of the scientists engaged in social engineering may have been well-intended but it was none the less a very wrong thing to do
In the end, it’s on each of us to overcome our trauma and our fear — and to make the mysterious transformation from a wounded child to a warrior This story is about fear, contagion, instincts, love, and compassion. It is also about the ultimate triumph of freedom over darkness….