The Daily Stoic Andrew Wehrman On Why It Is Crucial To Study Pandemics Of The Past
6 snips
Jul 5, 2023 Ryan speaks with Andrew Wehrman, a historian specializing in the politics of medicine in early America. They dive into the parallels between historical pandemics and today's health crises, emphasizing the significance of learning from the past. Wehrman highlights how major events have often coincided with disease outbreaks, examines the moral obligations of individuals during crises, and reflects on the intersection of personal liberty and public health decisions. The discussion reveals the importance of empathy and collective responsibility while addressing societal inequalities in health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Franklin's Loss
- Benjamin Franklin's son, Francis, died from smallpox at age four.
- This greatly affected Franklin, who advocated for inoculation but hadn't inoculated Francis.
Impact of Not Knowing
- Understanding how diseases spread is crucial for managing fear and grief.
- The past's lack of knowledge made illness terrifying and disorienting.
Early Contagion Awareness
- Marcus Aurelius likely died from a smallpox-like disease but sent his son away when he fell ill.
- This shows an awareness of contagion, even without a full understanding.
