Fear is portrayed as an absolutist force, dominating life with an overwhelming presence, controlling individuals like a tyrant. The struggle against fear is not about being courageous; rather, it stems from a fundamental desire to live fully and freely. It suggests that overcoming fear leads to its sudden disappearance, revealing its true powerlessness.
In essence, the fight against fear involves a pragmatic approach to life, focusing on the necessity of moving forward despite its influence. Salman Rushdie emphasizes that this battle is not glamorous but a basic human instinct to pursue life and purpose beyond the constraints that fear imposes.