Today, the discussion on personal responsibility, duty and freedom is more relevant than ever given the state-sanctioned rules and measures in place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature on the history of epidemics and pandemics, however, is not limited to fiction and philosophical discussions. Taking a look into the history of epidemics and health crises would reveal what we can learn about how both individuals and governments can tackle the current pandemic, and may also reveal what is waiting for the world on the other side of it.