Thought experiment time!

What if people responded to calls for physical distancing the way that they respond to calls for plant-based diets?

Here, for better or worse, are what some of the responses would look like:

1/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? It would be impossible for me to *eliminate* my interactions with people. For example, I need to buy food. Thus, I have no duty to *minimize* my interactions with others. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 2/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? Not *everyone* can physically distance as much as I can. For example, some people need to work at hospitals. Thus, *I* have no duty to physically distance as much as I can. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 3/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? Some approaches to physical distancing would be bad for me. Thus, I have no duty to approach physical distancing in a way that would be good for me. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 4/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? A pandemic is a structural problem that requires a structural solution. Thus, I have no duty to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 5/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? Infectious diseases are natural, and natural things are good. Thus, infectious diseases are good (even if they cause massive and unnecessary harm). I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 6/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? My ancestors evolved to spend time with people. Thus, I have a right to spend time with people, even during a pandemic. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 7/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? My parents raised me to spend time with people. Thus, I have a right to spend time with people, even during a pandemic. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 8/9

"Why should I have to physically distance right now? Lions spend time together during pandemics. Thus, humans have a right to spend time together during pandemics. I can go to the beach three times a day for fun." 9/9