“Freedom from fear” could be said to sum up the whole philosophy of human rights.
Dag Hammarskjold
Another Scandinavian whose aphorisms helped mold my aspirations. Such a simple statement which, if applied to today’s bogey-monsters – asylum seekers, burqua-wearers, anyone who’s different from us – might save us millions of dollars in so-called security measures and angst. More importantly, it would create the kind of community to which I am sure we all, deep down, aspire.
Wondering Pilgrim 
‘Freedom from fear’! There is so much ‘fear’ in our society:, fear from changing the times of my favourite TV show; Someone else sitting where I always sit at Church; someone coming to My Church who is of not the same class as Me; that people from different backgrounds will take over Our (My) society; etc. etc. Lastly, a ‘bit’ more truthfully, fear that I will be challenged by the ever increasing challengers that is in this world today Where will it all end!?
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A very real and very subtle dynamic, Mark. It ends with fear, rather than love, controlling our most fundamental motivations. We may believe we are protecting our nearest and dearest out of love, but(????)…
Temperamentally of an anxious predisposition, I find I must constantly stay awake and alert lest I revert to default. “Perfect love casts out fear.”
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I refused to bow to fear – although I could have and was recommended to do so many times. You are right about fear and Human Rights, so very right.
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