I don't think that the problem is likely to be caused by disease in your houseplants, I think it is more likely that they are not being looked after correctly. The most common reason for houseplants to die is overwatering, people literally kill them with kindness. Houseplants should only be watered when the compost feels slightly damp half an inch below the surface.
They will need to be watered more often in the heat of the summer and less in the winter. Another problem is not enough natural daylight. Electric light is not the right kind for plants to thrive in and unless they are close enough to a window they will not thrive.It would be an idea to buy yourself a good book on caring for houseplants, it will help and will be interesting reading.
I have put some links below to sites that tell you how to look after houseplants, good luck.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.