We often destroy ecology-based livelihoods in the name of employment creation.
Rohini NilekaniRead
In the ideal world, philanthropy should be redundant or at least it should be at the edges, as innovation or risk capital. But it's far from an ideal world; the wealthy are cornering more and more opportunities and resources from this planet. So, the big challenge for philanthropy is... can it engage with the distribution of wealth itself?
Interpretation
What this quote means
In a perfect world, philanthropy wouldn't be necessary, but currently, it plays a crucial role in addressing wealth inequality.
Rohini Nilekani's quote reflects on the notion that in an ideal society, issues of wealth and opportunity would be equitably distributed, making philanthropy an unnecessary practice. However, recognizing that we live in a world where the concentration of wealth creates significant disparities, the focus shifts to whether philanthropy can effectively participate in addressing the very structures that govern wealth distribution, challenging the status quo and making a meaningful impact on systemic inequalities.
Themes
PhilanthropyWealthInnovationInequalitySocial Change
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on social justice, one might quote this to emphasize the need for addressing wealth distribution.
More from Rohini Nilekani
All quotes →Similar quotes
But whether I become a believer or remain an agnostic, my belief or disbelief must derive its source from within, not from without. I, myself, must create its symbols. The transcendental is that which produces its own form. I will never discover its secret if I do not find it in my own heart; if I do not possess it already I shall never be able to acquire it.
Oscar WildeRead
You do not preach and encourage hatred for the Negro and hope to restrict it to that field. It is an old, old story. It is one repeated over and over again in history. When the wolves of hate are loosed on one people, then no one is safe.
Ralph McgillRead
Nostalgia is also a dangerous form of comparison. Think about how often we compare our lives to a memory that nostalgia has so completely edited that it never really existed.
Bren BrownRead
We have power... Our power isn’t in a political system, or a religious system, or in an economic system, or in a military system; these are authoritarian systems... they have power... but it’s not reality. The power of our intelligence, individually or collectively IS the power; this is the power that any industrial ruling class truly fears: clear coherent human beings.
John TrudellRead
When the United States fought in Vietnam, it was organized modern technology versus organized human beings, and the human beings won.
Howard ZinnRead
The first question which you will ask and which I must try to answer is this; What is the use of climbing Mount Everest? and my answer must at once be, it is no use. There is not the slightest prospect of any gain whatsoever.
George Leigh MalloryRead