Violence is fomented by the imposition of singular and belligerent identities on gullible people, championed by proficient artisans of terror.
Amartya SenRead
The elimination of ignorance, of illiteracy... and of needless inequalities in opportunities (is) to be seen as objectives that are valued for their own sake. They expand our freedom to lead the lives we have reason to value, and these elementary capabilities are of importance on their own
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of eliminating ignorance and inequality to enhance human freedom and capabilities.
Amartya Sen emphasizes that the eradication of ignorance, illiteracy, and unnecessary inequalities in opportunities is essential not just as goals to achieve but as fundamental values that enrich our freedom. He argues that improving these aspects of society allows individuals to lead lives that they have reason to value, thus highlighting the intrinsic worth of education and equality as foundations for personal and societal development.
Themes
EducationFreedomInequalityOpportunityCapabilities
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, referring to this quote can emphasize the importance of education in achieving equality.
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I attempted to see famines as broad "economic" problems (concentrating on how people can buy food, or otherwise get entitled to it), rather than in terms of the grossly undifferentiated picture of aggregate food supply for the economy as a whole.
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Human ordeals thrive on ignorance. To understand a problem with clarity is already half way towards solving it.
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Sometimes the lack of substantive freedoms relates directly to economic poverty, which robs people of the freedom to satisfy hunger; or to achieve sufficient nutrition, or to obtain remedies for treatable illnesses or the opportunity to be adequatley clothed or sheltered, or to enjoy clean water or sanitary facilities.
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