Spring has arrived, bringing with it a season of rebirth and renewal. As we celebrate the blossoming of flowers and the return of life, we’re reminded of the universal truths we faced during the pandemic five years ago — truths about our mortality and the resilience of humanity.

We pivoted and reimagined new ways of living, connecting with our own nature in the process. Yet, as we reflect on this period, why did this blooming potential of progress wither on the vine?

Read on to discover how our heightened existential awareness during the pandemic shaped cultural trends and which ideas eventually bore fruit five years later.

This story is part of our monthly series, where we dive into neuroscience topics and apply them to real-world experiences. Stay tuned for next month’s drop!