Just to try to brainstorm a bit, what is fear? Why is fear present in many people if not all? Is there a place or a human activity that involves authority without fear? Is fear good or bad?
Fear by definition according to Collins Dictionary is, 'a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc.; timidity; dread; terror; fright; apprehension'. This definition at least gives some clues of its nature. It is very true that fear is a reality in our societies all along, from the whole of evolution and creation story to date.
In the creation story, it is quite evident as it is depicted in the Holy Book. From the time, man (humanity) ate the forbidden fruit, I believe that death came alongside many human faults; and fear is among the many. Following the whole history of man, it is all full of fear. Man lives in this state almost the whole of his/her life if not the whole of it. In the same very Book, we see how fear seized the other nations too; first towards God (for believers and non-believers as well), then the fear of the other.
Critically looking into the implications of this word, it is not all bad. Take the commonly known example of the Bible. The chosen nation of God mainly survived under fear. They feared God who liberated them from slavery and guided them all through. Nevertheless, other nations feared to attack them as they saw the consequences of attacking them when God is favoring them. This ‘fear’ is something that is present in our times too. Taking an example of the superpowers of our time, they fear each other in terms of some things like nuclear power abilities but we see most people sugarcoat it and call it respect in order for it to sound more appealing. However, it is fear! Imagine the state whereby no one fears the negative consequences mostly of the actions one does. I believe we will be in a very chaotic environment as everyone unleashes his/her very nature hidden inside. Everyone will be striving to fulfill the egoistic urge in oneself and not to respect the other at all; it will be an open survival for the fittest contest.
In a childhood’s upbringing, however much one can say it is instilling respect in the child, the aspect of fear is quite evident. The consequences of the action to be done, take part in the general introduction of the term ‘fear’ in a child’s life. Many people who have the fear of failing in life and many more examples might be the ones who were punished severely for any unintended fault committed. However, let us view this trust to one-self and trust to others the way has been gradually attained. Through different peculiar methods, especially using punishment as a tool, has, in most cases, given birth to the intended outcome. By writing so, I do not mean I support such methods, but in the eyes of fear, they are perfect tools to penetrate into once life and rule for the rest of his/her life. Nevertheless, the aspect of authority is quite debatable. Starting from our Creator, there are some of the fierce command given from Him which literally makes one fearful, i.e. the aspect of hell being a reality and the wrong doers have a straight ticket to it with Lucifer driving the bus. For believers, we all agree with the part whereby this fear of hell has helped most of us to be in line with God’s commandment. All still go back to the issue of punishment.
Is fear good or bad? We can debate to centuries about this question but believe me that we will always wonder in a vicious circle. However, there are some common grounds we can all have. Fear to some extent is good for the future, of which I can try to apply the philosophy of Hans Jonas concerning ‘The Imperative of Responsibility. Briefly, we can ask ourselves this question; is fear capable of securing the future of humanity? If yes, then it sounds reasonable to believe in it but if the answer if no, then the probability of that person having negative thoughts of fear are higher than the positivity implied by fear. I believe each and every person can reflect about his/her own life in order to gauge the weight of each side. Where will I be, either with or without fear?