key: cord-0045089-ze4mp4mx
authors: Pantazopoulos, George A.
title: Opportunities Arising from a Pandemic Crisis: A Challenge for Humanity Driven by Science, Solidarity, and Cultural Change
date: 2020-06-09
journal: Metallogr
DOI: 10.1007/s13632-020-00655-0
sha: 614510ed1f452a91a5d7614e3006faa3ffedb764
doc_id: 45089
cord_uid: ze4mp4mx

nan

1. Accept the "reality" of current conditions and try to maintain courage and strength. Adopt the Stoic Philosophy principles [1] and change your viewpoint, keeping control of your judgment and assign responsibilities only in cases where you can do so. An attitude of blame is not at all helpful. Trying to exorcise the past is futile. It is worthwhile to transform this difficulty into a valuable training experience, and to explore the benefits of staying healthy and becoming wise and knowledgeable from this unbelievable crisis. 2. Appreciate simple daily moments. Take a few minutes to recognize the value of many simple everyday moments that are now put "on hold." It is now time to do so, making a simple list and prioritizing the value of these moments and events. 3. Take advantage of learning opportunities. Becoming more familiar with "distance communication" tools.

There are plenty of interesting webinars and e-learning opportunities, which can be not only a friendly companion, but also an important supporter of your skills towards knowledge improvement. ASM International * George A. Pantazopoulos gpantaz@elkeme.vionet.gr 1 ELKEME Hellenic Research Centre for Metals S.A., 61st km Athens -Lamia National Road, 32011 Oinofyta, Viotias, Greece and its affiliate societies organize numerous such courses and seminars in diverse fields, including metallography and failure analysis, in specific alloys, metallurgy, and materials testing. Digital content and Industry 4.0 tools are available to be utilized and serve us. As a researcher, it is the right time to think, plan, and design carefully future research. There are also opportunities to write, review, and edit technical papers, assisting those who are working to get published, and continuing the scientific activities of the community. 4. Have a period of self-assessment. This period can be used constructively to re-discover ourselves, to make a "pause" and see our weaknesses and our strengths, more quietly and diligently. Re-assess, review, revise, and reload, in order to be prepared and begin again strongly and consistently. For many of us, it could be a "fresh start."

The aftermath of this pandemic wave may profusely offer the opportunity to change our life perspective and this change could motivate a cultural movement, promoting solidarity toward a common target. Science and research constitute strong foundations of society, as we struggle against a common enemy.

Freeman Dyson, a pioneer theoretical physicist who passed away on February 28, 2020, stressed that the driving force for evolution has changed from biology to culture. Science is the vehicle to drive our culture. "Science is the international enterprise that brings us together most powerfully in a common purpose, requiring us to share ideas and tools, economic resources and material benefits. The task of East and West in this century will be to work together as friends in science and technology, while respecting our differences in politics and culture" [2].

Lessons in Stoicism