Whole Class Discussion: Are you convinced?

I think you make an interesting point! It is true that using both earlier works such as Hobbes, Diderot, and Richardson are all necessary to formulate our understanding of empathy and how it furthers human rights. In order for these ideals to be translated to policies, however, first it needs to gain the attention of elite persons in power who have the control to make change. Thus, reading novels is not enough, although beneficial for furthering the widespread recognition for human rights. In Hunt's lecture, she talks about the influence of novels in the 1800s and how the birth of human rights was established around the same time, however I still wonder what the missing link is––if these novels truly influenced policies. Did people in power read them? Did ordinary people read these novels then push for change from their representatives?