Will Covid-19 really change everything?

SPONSORED CONTENT – The four most expensive words in English are said to be "this time it’s different"

The famous American-born investor Sir John Templeton once declared that the four most expensive words in English are “this time it’s different”. At first glance, it might seem that in the case of Covid-19, the phrase is warranted. After all, a whole slew of industries are being badly disrupted – airlines, cruise lines, retailing, shared office space, cinemas – forcing investors to think through the investment implications.

Then again, the cynic might suggest that Covid-19 will just reinforce trends that were already emerging, but perhaps less evident before the crisis. This alternative view is perhaps best expressed by controversial French novelist Michel Houellebecq. Asked recently what might change in modern society after Covid-19, the infamous pessimist responded that he believes the world will be just the same – only worse. Top of Houellebecq’s list of concerns? The slow decay of traditional communities in the face of rampant atomisation and loneliness.

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