Writer Bi Shumin and the cover of her book Corolla Virus Photo: IC

Writer Bi Shumin and the cover of her book Corolla Virus Photo: IC

Seventeen years ago, Chinese writer and registered psychological counselor Bi Shumin went to the frontline of the battle against SARS in China to collect resources and gain inspiration for her science fiction novel Corolla Virus. After many detailed interviews and in-depth research, she realized that SARS occured for no reason and that the epidemic was not completely eradicated. However, she never expected that another similar virus would appear so quickly and end up spreading wider and causing more deaths. 

"My mind went completely blank when I heard China's top respiratory specialist Zhong Nanshan confirm that the novel coronavirus was capable of transmitting person-to-person," Bi told the Global Times, adding that the virus may also become a chronic disease that invades human life annually.

Involved in the frontline of the SARS battle, Bi was continually touched by the heroic deeds of humanity. After talking with many doctors and other medical staff, she noticed an interesting phenomenon: Those patients who were more optimistic about their recovery were more likely to survive SARS than those who were more pessimistic about their treatments.

Bi said this phenomenon also seems to be true for COVID-19 patients. Her conclusion is that mental health is clearly a very important part of dealing with an epidemic. 

"People should pay more attention to improving their mental health. The positive psychology that you cultivate during daily life can be turned into an extremely important life support tool when you are seriously ill and lying alone in bed," she said.

Magnifying glass

Bi once hoped that her novel Corolla Virus would instill in people a sense of urgency about viruses and encourage them to put more effort into preventing another SARS-like tragedy.

Corolla Virus is a psychological work that explores topics such as life, humanity and redemption. It tells the story of a virus that hits a big city in China, threatening numerous lives.

In Bi's novel, the sudden severe epidemic becomes a huge magnifying glass that sharply reveals the good and evil in human nature, similar to what is happening during the ongoing COVID-19 battle: Some people abroad have generously donated medical aid to support China, while some others have spent their time making racist comments about infected victims.

Bi said that this is normal and suggested people adopt an unbiased attitude and focus their efforts on improving the situation. She said she still believes in the kindness of people due to the many touching stories of frontline medical staff, and that she has faith that humanity can win this battle again. 

"I am quite impressed by a paleontologist's claim that the extinction of the dinosaurs was likely due to a virus. However, I am confident in humans because we high-level animals have the wisdom and conscience that a virus does not have," she said.

Peaceful coexistence



According to Bi, just because human beings are at the top of the biological chain does not mean we can kill any species we want. 

"If mankind loses the support of other species, it is a dangerous step toward its own demise."

She pointed out that people cannot force the virus out of its original habitat nor kill all of its original animal hosts. In her opinion, dealing with the virus requires strategic tactics so that a balance can be struck with nature and both sides can live in peace. 

After finishing her novel, Bi started to travel around the world including the South Pole and the North Pole. During her travels she saw that human beings' fragility is closely linked to changes of the world. She suggested that people go out to see the world and get in touch with nature. 

"If you have the ability, go and take a look at this world, it will make you feel small and this will lead you to living life with a modest attitude."

Bi called for people to realize the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. 

"People need to change and the world needs to change to face a new era."
Newspaper headline: Staying positive