我们该不该囤货

英国的疫情到目前为止还是不容乐观，加上Boris的先建海德墓地，后做人类实验的疯癫言论，引起了人们的恐慌，超市里一排一排的货架被清空，民众们纷纷开始囤货，做好居家隔离的准备。

在我刚刚下单一堆食物、杂货并预约了十几天后的Tesco配送之后，我看到了一条朋友圈，是朋友的外国室友发在讨论群里的，原文如下：

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re well and having a lovely weekend. I know watching the news these days could be quite distressing and, understandably, everyone has different responses to the current situation. We’re all from different places after all and have different experience. At times like this, I think it’s quite important not just to think about yourself, but people around you. As a Christian myself, I’ve always been taught to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. Some of us may be more concerned whilst some less so. Personal hygiene is undoubtedly important. I think everyone is equally likely to catch the virus, but there are some people who have a weaker immune system to fight against it. If you wash your hands, you’re not just protecting yourself, but also the people around you. You might be unknowingly carrying the virus to any vulnerable person. Lives of stronger and weaker people are equally important. It’s advisable to wash your hands frequently, especially after going to public places. To keep all of your beloved flatmates healthy and safe, please do try doing the ‘happy birthday’ routine and get changed soon.

I think it’s equally important to think about the others when you’re doing your shopping. It’s always been suggested not to stockpile anything. There are people who are in actual need of household items. I have a friend who is a patient at Alder Hey. She has congenital heart disease and her lung function is not particularly strong. She is one of those in the vulnerable, high risk group. Alcohol wipes and other cleaning products are essential for people like her to keep their home and surroundings clean. So I think it’s the best to buy the normal amount when you do your next shopping. I do agree that everyone has to role to play in fighting against the disease.

Thank you if you’ve reached here. What I have said may or may not apply to you. It could be total nonsense. It’s down to you how you respond to the current situation. But what I can say is, try to stay positive! The truth is that stress can affect our immune systems. Don’t be too paranoid about everything cos it doesn’t help at all.

Stay sensible, happy and healthy.

Love and light,

xx

大意就是说，大家囤货根本没有考虑到一些弱势群体的利益，他们可能本身患有疾病，因此比健康人更需要一些消毒用品，但是现在每个人都疯狂抢购，导致这些弱势群体什么都买不到了，连最基本的需求都无法满足。所以劝大家不要Panic buying，理性对待，多为别人着想。

最开始看到这条朋友圈，我心想这难道就是所谓的圣母白莲花？买东西是我的自由，只要我没偷没抢，买多买少都是我乐意。你不买别人也会买，等你连饭也没得吃的时候就知道什么是后悔药了。但是心里还是隐隐有些不忍：人家是弱势群体啊，我们抢光货品了，他们没得用，这不是增大了他们患病的可能性吗？囤货导致的这一后果似乎确实不在道德上占优势。

那么人们到底应不应该囤货呢？有限的物资该如何分配才能达到公平公正呢？我想起了迈克尔 桑德尔的《公正：该如何是好》。在批判了边沁的福利最大化和密尔的自由论后，他引用了康德的观点：“公义既不是追求全民福利最大化也不是允许每个个体充分自由，而是给每个人分配他所值得拥有的事物。趋利避害是人的本能，但不是理性。每个人都拥有自主选择的理性和能力，虽然不是任何时候任何选择都是自主的理性的。自由市场的自由不是真正的自由，只是一种为了满足自身需求的不得已的选择，是一种将个体作为达到某种外在目地的工具，实质上是一种受他人支配的“自由”。只有当个体排除自身欲望与偏好，摆脱外界压力后做出的自发性选择才是真正的自由。人类要达到至善，就必须挣脱对快乐的喜爱和对痛苦的厌恶这些情感直觉的统治，炼就纯粹理性。”

Fair isn't everybody getting the same thing. Fair is everybody getting what they need in order to be successful

所以我们该不该囤货呢？现在我认为，或许我们应该先满足少数群体的特殊需求，再尊重个人意志自由采购，这样才能做到最大化福利，尊重个体自由，追求美好品德。

随便想的，先记录一下。等我把公开课再重温一遍，再好好想想。不过随着欧洲疫情发展，不论是欧洲人民的反应、海外华人的行为，还有国内人民对个别海外华人带病回国的看法，都变得越来越值得思考了。坚定了我留下来的想法（虽然也买好了可退机票）。岁寒，然后知松柏之后凋也。