Amartya Sen
Nobel laureate, capabilities approach to development
Quotes by Amartya Sen
The world is full of people who are very good at solving problems that don't exist.
To be able to choose is a freedom that is often denied to the poor, not by law, but by circumstances.
The idea that economic growth automatically leads to human development is a dangerous illusion.
Ignorance is not bliss, it's just ignorance.
The market is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.
The fact that we can measure something doesn't mean it's the only thing that matters.
Democracy is not just about voting; it's about public reasoning.
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.
Happiness is not just a feeling; it's a capability.
The world is not just a collection of individuals; it's a collection of interconnected lives.
To be free is not just to be unconstrained, but to have the power to do what one values.
The problem with many economic models is that they assume people are rational, which is often not the case.
The idea of a 'perfect' society is a dangerous one, because it often leads to intolerance.
The pursuit of profit is not inherently bad, but it should not be the only pursuit.
The market can be a very efficient way of allocating resources, but it doesn't care about who gets what.
The absence of choice is a form of unfreedom.
To be able to read and write is not just a skill; it's a freedom.
The idea of 'human nature' is often used to justify existing inequalities.
The world is not flat, and neither are people's opportunities.
The idea that poverty is a natural state of affairs is a dangerous myth.