It is certain that human history is largely a series of battles against bacteria and viruses. These infectious diseases are significant factors that disrupt our lives. Just recently, we experienced the tragic pandemic of Covid-19, during which countless people lost their lives. Almost everyone can recount instances of acquaintances, relatives, and friends passing away due to this viral infection. I myself narrowly escaped death, having been infected by the Delta variant of this virus.
Historically, large-scale pandemics have severely impacted our civilizations. The Black Death wiped out nearly one or two-thirds of Europe’s population at that time. In Latin America, civilizations like the Incas and the Mayas faced not only attacks from colonizers but also the spread of smallpox, brought by the invaders. It was considered fortunate if one could survive to adulthood; infant mortality was tragically commonplace throughout most of our history.
In Japan, people have celebrations like the Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) event. When your child turns three (for both boys and girls), five (for boys), and seven (for girls), you bring your child to the shrine to express gratitude for their survival. This tradition underlines the fact that child mortality was high in the past.
It is only after the twentieth century that, due to advancements in sanitation and medical technologies like antibiotics and vaccination, we have seen a significant reduction in child mortality. In our modern era, we are no longer as haunted by the frequent death of children as previous generations were.
In recent times, we have won the majority of the battles against bacterial and viral infections, which is undoubtedly good news to be celebrated. After the Industrial Revolution, the world population has experienced a continuous, exponential increase, reaching 8 billion. One of the reasons is surely because of this victory against major pandemics like the Spanish flu and, of course, Covid-19.
However, let me add one perspective. We could never have achieved this extent if we hadn’t collectively fought against these significant challenges. Since we left the Garden of Eden, even figuratively speaking, our lives have been a series of overcoming challenges. Perfect peace is only in heaven. Even in the Garden of Eden, the challenge of temptation led to the sense of loss. In one way or another, people agree that everyday life is difficult. We need to strive for survival. And because of these brutal attempts, we have been able to become as intelligent and strong as we are now. In this sense, should we be glad and thankful for these challenges, including the major pandemics, despite the tremendous loss of life?
In one sense, we won the war against bacterial and viral infections. But this doesn’t necessarily mean we wiped them out. We don’t live in a world devoid of bacteria and viruses. We must remember that they are also a part of this world, just as we are. Indeed, there are far more diverse types of bacteria and viruses with which we coexist. Some are even essential for our survival.
Imagine if we could live in a so-called perfect world with no challenges or stress at all. Would our lives become perfect as well? Sometimes we feel heavy as we try to wake up in the morning. Do you envy a world without gravity where you don’t have to stand on your feet? We might enjoy such a condition momentarily, but before long, we would realize its devastating effects. We would lose our muscle power, and our bodies would deteriorate, just like the crew on a space station would experience.
There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Clear water breeds no fish.” It might seem that perfectly clear, pure water should be ideal. But in such water, fish can’t survive. Likely, no forms of bacteria and viruses could exist in such a pure, lifeless environment either. Life is difficult. We know that. Sometimes our problems exceed tolerable levels. There is indeed such a thing as a hell on earth. We know that too. Nevertheless, without challenges, we wouldn’t be as intelligent and strong as we are now. Those who grow up without such challenges would be weak and vulnerable. Their life would be fragile.
We need to face challenges. They are a part of our lives. Without them, we could lose our lives, even though we might lose them to the challenges themselves if they are too severe. Why is life in this world and universe bound by time and space? Why is there something rather than nothing? While we can’t provide the answers to these ultimate questions, one thing is sure. Life is temporary, from our birth to death. Before birth and after death, we don’t have any challenges; hence, we are lifeless. In this time and space, at least for a certain period, we face, struggle with, and overcome (or get defeated by) challenges. With them, we become a little bit smarter and stronger. That’s the way life is. Let’s celebrate life with these challenges, not only at ages three, five, and seven, but also from time to time during moments of reflection.
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