Amartya Sen

The meaning of life is not a fixed destination, but a journey of discovery and growth.

Our existence is a precious gift, and we have a responsibility to make the most of it.

Poverty is not just a lack of income, but a deprivation of capabilities.

The market mechanism, even when it works well, does not necessarily lead to a just distribution of resources.

Development has to be seen as a process of expanding the real freedoms that people enjoy.

The capability approach focuses on what people are actually able to do and to be, rather than on the resources they possess.

Gender inequality is not only a moral wrong but also a significant impediment to economic development.

The idea of a 'rational fool' who maximizes self-interest without regard for others is a deeply flawed concept of human behavior.

Democracy is not merely a system of majority rule, but also a system of protection for minorities and open public reasoning.

Human rights are not just Western constructs; they have roots in diverse cultures and traditions.

The pursuit of economic growth without attention to distribution and equity can lead to social instability.

The concept of 'human capital' is too narrow; we should focus on 'human capabilities' instead.

There is no unique perfect social arrangement that can be identified through pure reason.

The 'Asian values' argument against democracy is often used to justify authoritarian rule.

The role of public discussion and open debate is crucial for the formation of informed social choices.

The 'invisible hand' of the market is not always benevolent; it can lead to significant injustices.

Education is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself, expanding human freedom.

The concept of 'efficiency' in economics often overlooks important ethical considerations.

The absence of famine in a democracy is not a coincidence, but a consequence of its political structure.

The 'rational choice' model in economics often fails to account for the role of commitments and values.