Dear Benjamin,

Thank you for your letter. Thank you also for the reference to the article of which you are co-author. I found it very interesting, and I suspect working on it was very instructive for you. I am reminded of the fundamental empirical process by which we define and classify diseases. With the Corona Virus Disease, I am impressed by the width of the spectrum of signs and symptoms, by the unpredictability of its prognosis for any given individual, and especially by the circumstance that one can transmit it without oneself having any other evidence of illness, an epidemiological equivalent of "guilt by association" which makes tracing and tracking the virus a challenging task.

You asked about my health. I'm not as euphoric as I had been months or years ago; but I am not sad or despondent. From the time that Grandma died, four years and seven months ago, I have experienced, become accustomed to, and even comfortable with the quarantine of old age, which I consider natural and inevitable.

My walking has become much more difficult, I have recurrent sore throat and a wheezing cough without dyspnea, recurrent diarrhea, myalgia and circulatory impairment of both legs and both feet, and consider it advisable to wear a mask and maintain the 6 feet social separation on the several occasions each week when Klemens comes to visit me.  I have no other visitors. Except for two trips to the mailbox, I've stayed in or close to the house for the past 6 months. Whatever else may be said for or against it, my incessant writing has helped me to retain what sanity I have left.  

I look forward to seeing you when you come to Belmont, and wish for you very much that you should stay happy and well.  

Love, Jochen