In "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell, the author discusses the fragile nature of rights, suggesting they can easily be undermined over time, much like granite can be worn down by erosion. This highlights how human rights are not permanent fixtures but rather vulnerable to exploitation and change.

Mitchell also explores the cyclical nature of societal issues, indicating that ignorance of others leads to fear, which then fosters hatred. This hatred can escalate into violence, creating a cycle that reinforces tyranny, where only the powerful dictate the moral and legal landscape, diminishing true rights and justice.