Amartya Sen

Economics Indian 1933 370 quotes

Nobel laureate, capabilities approach to development

Quotes by Amartya Sen

The concept of 'human security' goes beyond national security to encompass the safety and well-being of individuals.

Various lectures

The importance of public debate and reasoned argument cannot be overstated in a democratic society.

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The idea of 'social choice' is about how societies can make collective decisions that reflect the preferences of their members.

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The pursuit of equality is not about making everyone the same, but about ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities.

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The role of institutions is not just to enforce rules, but to enable human flourishing.

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The concept of 'human rights' is a powerful tool for promoting justice and dignity around the world.

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The importance of empathy and compassion in human relations is often underestimated.

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The pursuit of sustainability is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of intergenerational justice.

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The idea of 'public reason' is about how citizens can engage in reasoned debate about matters of common concern.

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The challenge of globalization is to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.

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The role of culture in human development is often overlooked, but it is crucial for shaping values and identities.

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The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and there is always more to learn.

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The importance of individual agency in shaping one's own life and contributing to society.

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The idea of 'human flourishing' encompasses not just material well-being, but also intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.

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Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is not having the capability to live a life one has reason to value.

Development as Freedom

Famines are easy to prevent if there is a serious effort to do so. Famines are not caused by a lack of food, but by a lack of democracy.

Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation

The market mechanism, for all its great virtues, is not a great humanitarian. It is not designed to be.

On Ethics and Economics

The absence of famine in a democracy is not a matter of luck.

Development as Freedom

If you are poor, you are not free.

Interview

The rich are not always right, but they are often more articulate.

Interview