Putting the current pandemic into a historical context has undoubtedly served a purpose. Linkages to the past can serve as warnings, and they might even offer solace…Drawing linkages always requires simplification, and oversimplification can lead to anachronism….When we hunt for similarities, we overlook everything that’s different – and that is dangerous. Sure, finding proof of our arguments is satisfying, but often, what’s most important is what we’ve had to ignore to find it.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-nothing-was-the-same-historical-parallels-for-the-coronavirus-should/