I think one of the most important changes of our time has been our attitude to fear. Every civilisation defends itself by keeping fears out and saying 'we protect you from fear'. But it also produces new fears and throughout history people have changed the kind of fears which have worried them.
Interpretation
Our perception of fear and how societies manage it has evolved over time.
The quote by Theodore Zeldin highlights the evolution of society's relationship with fear. It suggests that civilizations often shield people from certain fears while inadvertently creating new ones, indicating that our fears are shaped by cultural attitudes and historical contexts. This perspective invites reflection on how changing societal norms can alter our understanding and responses to fear.
In practice
In a discussion about societal challenges, you might quote Zeldin to emphasize the importance of understanding our fears.
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