Amartya Sen
Nobel laureate, capabilities approach to development
Quotes by Amartya Sen
The absence of public discussion is a sign of an unhealthy democracy.
The idea that economic growth is the only measure of progress is a very limited one.
To be able to participate in public life is a freedom that is often denied to the marginalized.
The world is not just about what we have, but what we can do.
The idea of 'rational choice' often ignores the social context in which choices are made.
The absence of justice is not just a legal problem; it's a human problem.
The market is a powerful tool, but it needs to be guided by ethical considerations.
The idea that individuals are entirely self-interested is a very narrow view of human motivation.
The world is not just about facts; it's about values.
The absence of education is a form of unfreedom.
The idea that poverty is inevitable is a dangerous and misleading one.
The market can be a force for good, but it can also be a force for inequality.
The world is not just about what we consume, but what we can achieve.
The idea of 'human rights' is not just a legal concept; it's a moral one.
The absence of healthcare is a form of unfreedom.
The market is a powerful engine, but it needs a steering wheel.
The idea that economic efficiency is the only goal is a very narrow and ultimately self-defeating one.
The world is not just about individual choices; it's about collective responsibilities.
The freedom to choose is central to the quality of life, and the absence of such freedom is a central feature of poverty.
Development has to be seen as the process of expanding the real freedoms that people enjoy.