Number, New Normal And New Life

Numbers that circulating in the public sphere have formed their own meaning, which may not be very recognizable in the arithmetic world of thought. Numbers in public spaces are a separate reality or at least a reflection of reality. When numbers are processed, it is not entirely scientific reasoning that works, but a reason that is guided by certain needs. In this case, the numbers and patterns it forms did not merely describe the situation, but maybe as the basis for the decision.

Alain Badiou, in Number and Numbers (2008), describes the important role of numbers in almost all areas of life. This was also the case in the face of a pandemic, where the numbers and interpretations of it, become the place where the competition takes place, to determine which numbers should be prioritized and become the basis for certain actions. Therefore, care needs to be taken, so that when compiling numbers and their meanings, they remain loyal to the basic values of life.

New Normal

New normal is a term that is now very popular in public discussion spaces. The term actually refers to the "return" of economic activity. Going to the mall, or going to the market, is the main symbol or a sign of the arrival of the new normal. When public officials inspect shopping malls, it can be read as a message that a decision is being published.
New Normal itself, may not be the right term to describe the post-pandemic state. The main problem is not in understanding, but because the course of the pandemic cannot be divided discretely, like people crossing a road, moving from one place to another. Until now, knowledge of the pandemic and how it works remains a mystery. The only clues that exist are daily data and interpretation of the data, which is described as a certain curve.

There is a desire to get out of the pandemic soon, but no effective alternative recipe has yet to be found. Meanwhile, the desire to "get out" is so high, as if that is where the whole problem will be solved. This tension can be said to be the womb of the new normal conception. Namely in order to get out, but at the same time be safe, then all the things that have been carried out (which can be said to be abnormal, because they live by health protocols), will continue to be carried out. Making what was originally unusual becomes commonplace.

New Life

New normal in that sense, still shows tensions between needs, at least between economy and health. Therefore, the new normal will be good if it is not placed as an end but only a transition. The end is new life.

A new life is an order of life with a new paradigm. First, safety comes first. There is no proper aspect to guide all community activities, except safety. All aspects are derivatives or things that must follow the motion of safety.

Second, house as a historical center. The meaning and position of house which had been dwarfed, becoming merely a "bed", has been restored by the pandemic. Working from home, studying from home, and various other activities, are facts that have taken place, which shows that home is a place where history is formed.

Third, the market is not "there", but "here". Perhaps it is very seldom realized that the economy is experiencing a shift. Markets are no longer in places where crowds are present. In fact, economic activity can work from “here”, and not “there”. Producers and consumers, connected with technology, and transactions run without the need for a special place.

Fourth, the environment is not just a complement but is part of the goal. Environmental damage is a major contributor to the pandemic. The pandemic may have taught us that a good environment is the source of a good and healthy life.

Fifth, families no longer recognize distance, because they are connected and can stay in touch at any time. In the upcoming religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, Eid al-Fitr, showing a new nuance, namely a situation where longing feelings can be overcome with the help of technology in the form of long-distance communication the occasion. It may still seem lacking, but over time technology will form its own meaning, as it did when telephone lines were first invented. A new concept of hospitality is coming, and it will definitely change the pattern of human movement.

These five aspects are part of a new paradigm dimension that needs to be developed, to become the foundation for new life. As a nation, we can even strengthen this paradigm with wisdom values, which have lived in society for a long time. With the accumulation of all knowledge and experiences during the pandemic, we have confidence, it will be easier to achieve a new life.

Thank you for reading.