I was hopefully naïve too, but I saw a brief transition. A community Facebook page formed within a week, listing information, donations, medical supplies, and other goods and services. Strangers offered strangers free essential items, and grocery stores handed out gift cards.

The hoarders and toilet paper thing was bizarre, and maybe I excuse people too easily, but fear heightens our irrational demeanor. Nature and nurture influence our behaviors, and civilization promotes self-interest, but would we behave as selfishly if basic needs were guaranteed?

Most people are peaceful until survival forces them to act violently, and we instinctively offer solutions when presented with someone's problems. Yet, we undeniably behave like monsters. I hate, pity, and love us, but I wish I didn't care because civilization is painful when you're empathetic instead of apathetic.

Ugh.