What coronavirus-weary Hong Kong can learn from Napoleon, Oscar Wilde and Martin Luther King
- Hongkongers, used to life in the fast lane, have struggled to adapt to spending more time in their often small homes. History, however, shows that time spent in isolation can be productive
- Post-pandemic Hong Kong could have more bookworms and closer parent-child relationships
While heeding those calls prevents laying waste to progress made in containing the virus, it is also a window of opportunity for time-crunched Hongkongers to indulge in the luxury of a publicly sanctioned and socially accepted change of pace.
However, in a city where “jacket-on-the-chair” office culture is prevalent, it is rather surprising that being able to spend more time at home has not been better received. After weeks of social distancing, many Hong Kong residents would rather risk going out than spend another moment at home.
As humans are inherently social beings, it is only natural that people find it difficult to cope with isolation experienced as a result of social distancing. At the same time, fewer everyday distractions and obligations during the citywide hiatus also means that time spent in isolation can be constructive.
During his imprisonment, Martin Luther King Jnr wrote Letter from Birmingham Jail , which became an influential text for the American civil rights movement. Just because someone is confined to a physical space does not mean their thoughts are too.
This is not to say that being stuck at home should always be enjoyable. It is not. Being restricted in how one can live one’s life is certainly frustrating, but Hongkongers must make do with the circumstances, especially when there is good reason.
For those who have the privilege of staying at home, doing so is also a demonstration of respect and solidarity with front-line medical staff. There are understandably instances when it may be necessary to venture out. Otherwise, is it really worth the risk?
Time spent at home is as meaningful as people make it. Nevertheless, if everyone does their part, the time when social distancing measures can finally be relaxed may come sooner. And, who knows, Hong Kong might even emerge from the pandemic with a few more bookworms.
Justin Bong-Kwan is a practising barrister and a freelance writer based in Hong Kong
![](https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/_next/static/media/wheel-on-gray.af4a55f9.gif)