The novel and human rights

Our fellow blogger here at MOJ, Michael Perry, has written, among other things, an important book called "The Idea of Human Rights."  I'd love to get his reactions to this review, by Joshua Muravchik, of a new book by Lynn Hurt of a book called "Inventing Human Rights."  The book asks, "[w]hat had happened that suddenly made the notion that 'all men are created equal and endowed with . . . unalienable rights' so resonant, both in Europe and America," in the late 18th century?

Hurt's answer?  "Brain changes" -- that is, "new feelings" that were, in large part, the product of a new art form, the epistolary novel.  Interesting.  Michael?