Amartya Sen

Economics Indian 1933 370 quotes

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.

Lecture

To be able to choose is a freedom that is often denied to the poor, not by law, but by circumstances.

Development as Freedom

The idea that economic growth automatically leads to human development is a dangerous illusion.

Development as Freedom

Ignorance is not bliss, it's just ignorance.

Interview

The market is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.

Lecture

The fact that we can measure something doesn't mean it's the only thing that matters.

On Ethics and Economics

Democracy is not just about voting; it's about public reasoning.

The Idea of Justice

The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.

Lecture

Happiness is not just a feeling; it's a capability.

Development as Freedom

The world is not just a collection of individuals; it's a collection of interconnected lives.

The Idea of Justice

To be free is not just to be unconstrained, but to have the power to do what one values.

Development as Freedom

The problem with many economic models is that they assume people are rational, which is often not the case.

On Ethics and Economics

The idea of a 'perfect' society is a dangerous one, because it often leads to intolerance.

The Idea of Justice

The pursuit of profit is not inherently bad, but it should not be the only pursuit.

Lecture

The market can be a very efficient way of allocating resources, but it doesn't care about who gets what.

On Ethics and Economics

The absence of choice is a form of unfreedom.

Development as Freedom

To be able to read and write is not just a skill; it's a freedom.

Development as Freedom

The idea of 'human nature' is often used to justify existing inequalities.

The Idea of Justice

The world is not flat, and neither are people's opportunities.

Lecture

The idea that poverty is a natural state of affairs is a dangerous myth.

Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation