I've been thinking about this whole metaphor of "sheep" as it has been bandied about during the pandemic. Those who follow safety protocols are derisively called "sheep." But why do sheep follow each other so closely? It is survival. If each one exercised their "freedom" to run around any way they wanted, it would be easy for the wolf to pick them off, one by one.

And then there is the shepherd you mention here. What does the shepherd do? The shepherd is the one who takes responsibility for the whole flock, who makes sure that each and every one is safe, and if necessary, kills the wolf who threatens them all.

So, yes, let us each try to be the shepherd of each other. Stay safe, keep each other safe, and keep an eye out for the wolf.