ON THE FACE OF IT, an old year is more than the sum of its parts.
In 2020, humanity bonded into an extended global family.
If hindsight is 2020… the year 2021 begins with insight.
Populations gained worldwide awareness and a healthy respect for our planet in crisis. Compassion and heroism came to the fore. Nations were unified by compassion and grief. Humans shared a newfound respect for immortality. The importance of social interaction for essential mental health was brought home.
Individuals became closer through physical distancing for the greater good. Governments mobilized for survival. Doctors and scientists shared advances in medicine. A melting pot of nationalities forged concerted efforts to stem the spread of a common pathological enemy.
Science declared war against a pandemic predator.
Communities gained a new respect for the fragility and suffering of elders. Stifling inequalities exposed the need to air grievances without violence.
2020 heralded in a renewed appreciation for random acts of generosity and kindness exhibited by the human spirit. It has paved the groundwork for responsible vigorous action and solid reforms. Complacency is over.
Mankind rallied to fight an invisible enemy and learned resilience is never futile. We never gave up. We never will.
After the storms of destruction, the world looks ahead to a renaissance year, united by ‘hands across the sea’ thinking.
Veronica Knox 