Anyone who says that economic security is a human right, has been too much babied. While he babbles, other men are risking and losing their lives to protect him. They are fighting the sea, fighting the land, fighting diseases and insects and weather and space and time, for him, while he chatters that all men have a right to security and that some pagan god-Society, The State, The Government, The Commune-must give it to them. Let the fighting men stop fighting this inhuman earth for one hour, and he will learn how much security there is.
The quote highlights a stark contrast between those who seek economic security as a right and the reality faced by individuals who toil relentlessly to create stability. Lane argues that individuals advocating for guaranteed security have not experienced the harsh realities that those who protect and build society endure. The statement suggests a disconnect between the comforts of some and the sacrifices of others who are engaged in a constant struggle against nature and hardship.
Furthermore, Lane emphasizes the importance of appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who work hard to uphold the society’s stability. Rather than relying on the idea that entitlement to security should be provided by external societal entities, the quote suggests that individuals should recognize the efforts of those who defend and maintain the structures of society. It serves as a reminder of the foundational realities behind human rights discussions, underscoring that security frequently comes at a significant human cost.
