Monday 20 April 2020

Stoicism and the lockdown ...

Well we have now been self-isolating for nearly forty days and we are still here - alive and kicking. If this scenario goes on until December 2021 (according to a statement from a minister in the government here) then the economy will be ruined for a generation. Cyprus depends on international tourism and confidence in flying to destinations in the sun will be low. But the alternative is to ease restrictions too early and allow the virus to flourish. This is not a decision I would like to make.

In the meantime the sun shines and we can feel summer approaching. There is a danger that we sit in our ivory tower thinking things are not too bad, whilst Cypriots across the island face destitution and financial ruin. Being a great believer in Stoicism, we ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to change matters. As things stand, we cannot and Stoics believe you should not worry about matters you cannot influence. But that is easier said than done.

We have been keeping ourselves busy - Ann more than me - and as a result our garden has never looked more lovely. Mornings tend to be when we do things and afternoons tend to be for relaxing, and having the occasional glass or two. Our experiments in the world of cookery become slightly more adventurous as time passes.

Our plantings of spring onions, chilli, courgettes, strawberries and tomatoes may not make us self-sufficient but it is marvellous to see things grow. Strawberries and ice cream for breakfast the other days was hedonistic in the extreme.

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