Spánek rozumu plodí příšery - Jan Konvalinka v rozhovoru o covidu, právu na omyl a historickém optimismu – Palán Aleš (2020)

Can a virus die? And how do viruses turn from little pests into world champions? Should we fear a strong state? And what is the point of being wrong? The COVID-19 pandemic brings a flood of questions but few clear answers. Who to trust when there are so many 'experts' everywhere? Journalist Aleš Palán decided to 'believe' a person who has lived with viruses for almost his entire professional life. The interview with leading Czech biochemist and Vice-Rector of Charles University Jan Konvalinka is a journey into the world of science, deadly viruses, and unscientific rumors; behind the scenes of the coronavirus pandemic and the mistakes we made. Last but not least, we take a look into the life of a boy from northern Bohemia who originally wanted to become an Egyptologist, only to find himself in the world of invisible killers. His perspective and humor give hope that knowledge is stronger than fear. The author of the interview, Aleš Palán, first met photographer Jan Šibík in Šumava while working on the bestseller 'Better to Go Crazy in the Wilderness' and the essay collection 'Return to the Wilderness.' The book of interviews with Jan Konvalinka is framed by photographs of the quarantine from spring 2020, which Šibík took from the first to the last day.