“American writer and critic Rebecca Solnit, in her book ‘A Paradise Built in Hell,’ describes how catastrophic disasters can disrupt the old social order and render it ineffective. In such times, humanity does not retreat as victims but instead envisions and creates a new kind of society—a ‘disaster utopia.’ Although disasters may feel like a ‘physical hell,’ they often bring out our ability to save, care for, and uplift one another, giving us a glimpse of what a ‘social utopia’ might look like.”
“The world is no stranger to disasters, both big and small. Even now, we are wading through the vast challenges posed by COVID-19. It is during such times of crisis that we must prioritize one thing above all: the bonds of human connection and cooperation. Building a sustainable system where people help and care for one another is essential. Even in moments that feel like living in a disaster’s hell, it is this spirit of solidarity that transforms us from survivors into victors, leading us closer to the ‘social utopia’ we aspire to.”