Life after Covid-19: What will our new normal be like?

A secondary school student participating in an online class at home. The digitalisation of education might be accelerated in Malaysia after the appetite for e-learning that is being established during this movement control order period. -- Reuters

It's obvious with even a little reflection that the experience of going through this Covid-19 pandemic would undoubtedly teach us many lessons. Many of us would have realised the importance of self-discipline, inspired by the numerous messages and tips on reconnecting with people, acquiring new skills, exercising and the rest of it. We would have heard it all, ad nauseum.

For many, the experience would have brought out the best in human behaviour and thought – from volunteerism and restraint to tolerance. Most importantly it would have brought out a deep sense of gratitude for being alive and healthy. The immense realisation that we can actually get by with so little and that ostentations add no meaning to life that is characterised by impermanence, could be the biggest lesson of all.