In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the self-imposed isolation faced by many, the article by George E. Hand IV highlights the stark contrast between true isolation, as experienced in Survival, Evade, Resist, and Escape (SERE) training by special forces, and the relative comfort of modern quarantine measures. Hand’s narrative emphasizes that true isolation is an extreme sensory deprivation, unlike the “isolation” experienced by many at home with the internet, entertainment, and comfort. Hand also touches on the irrationality of panic hoarding, questioning the logic behind the toilet paper frenzy.
Key Points:
- True isolation, as experienced in SERE training, involves complete sensory deprivation, and it is far from the comforts of modern home quarantine.
- Prisoners of War (POW) face extreme measures of isolation, with most undergoing rigorous training to endure these challenging conditions.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many claim to feel “isolated,” yet they have the luxury of digital communication, entertainment, and the comforts of home.
- Panic hoarding, particularly of toilet paper, became an irrational behavior during the pandemic.
- George E. Hand IV stresses the importance of maintaining perspective, highlighting that real isolation is vastly different from the self-imposed quarantine.
