The security provided by a long-held belief system, even when poorly founded, is a strong impediment to progress. General acceptance of a practice becomes the proof of its validity, though it lacks all other merit.
The International Declaration of Human Rights says the right to housing, health, education should be guaranteed to everyone. The moment these things are provided, we will have a different world order and nuclear weapons will become less of a threat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the necessity of basic human rights for a peaceful world, suggesting that provisions for housing, health, and education can mitigate global threats like nuclear weapons.
Bernard Lown's quote highlights the fundamental rights outlined in the International Declaration of Human Rights, asserting that when essential needs such as housing, health care, and education are ensured for every individual, society can progress towards a more secure and harmonious world. Lown posits that addressing these basic human rights will not only improve individual lives but also reduce global conflicts and the dangers posed by nuclear armament, fostering a new societal order that prioritizes human welfare over war and violence.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for human rights during an international conference.
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Many countries do not allow women to convey their nationality to their children - if they are single mothers, the children become stateless.
In the Saudi system, women are considered inferior. No matter our age, we have male guardians. We must get permission from men to attend school, to work, to marry, to travel overseas - even to have basic medical procedures.
I address a strong appeal from my heart that the dignity and safety of the worker always be protected.
If we support human rights, we cannot ignore legalized brutality against any group of our global community.
Women's rights are nothing but a part of the bigger picture, which is human rights. Women are trusted with the lives of their kids, even serve as teachers and doctors, but they aren't trusted with their own lives.
No practice or tradition trumps the human rights that belong to all of us.