Problems that divide people politically and religiously have dominate man's history, often subsuming all topics of discussion and slowing the development of sci

Problems that divide people politically and religiously have dominate man's history, often subsuming all topics of discussion and slowing the development of science. Note the reference to "the arrogance of sects [and] the hatred of the parties" in the following paper, titled "Products of the Empire: Cinchona: a short history" (well worth reading) at: https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/departments/royal-commonwealth-society/projects-exhibitions/products-empire-cinchona https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/departments/royal-comm... " Despite “the promptness of its effect and its infallibility” which “made it suspect for such a long time”, according to Ignace Vincent Voullonne writing in the early 18th century, cinchona bark “finally triumphed over the multiple reproaches that were heaped upon it … by ignorance, prejudice, the arrogance of sects [and] the hatred of the parties.” The use of this “Popish powder” had elicited considerable religious prejudice because of its association with the Jesuits. As demand grew, however, lack of experience of the bark, uneven consignments, incorrect identification, and the frequent and deliberate pollution of the product by adding the bark of other trees, all ensured the argument over its value was kept alive well into the 19th century." Does anyone else see significant parallels to today's discussions of what should be done, what is best, who is in charge, who supplies what, etc. in regard to Covid-19 and it's potential cures and treatments? One might think we have made little progress as a society in the intervening centuries!