Article April 30, 1990 Issue

SECOND THOUGHT

Looking again at news and commentary

by Norman Cousins

Human Options

"If I could be granted just one wish in the war against disease, it would be to liberate people from the panic that is the almost instinctive response to ... serious illness. Illness and panic are in a state of ominous interaction."

Editors' comment: The "interaction" of fear and illness is not quite such a new discovery as it might seem. Christ Jesus, the greatest healer of disease, repeatedly counseled, "Fear not." And the New Testament also gives the timeless antidote for fear: "Perfect love casteth out fear" (I John 4:18).