John Gardner: Poverty Blights Talent
on Monday, October 8, 2018John Gardner Money Quote saying stories suggest that the poor are encouraged by struggles and grow from the experience, but it simply destroys and harms far more talented people. John Gardner said:
“For every talent that poverty has stimulated it has blighted a hundred” — John Gardner
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In this quote, John Gardner seems to be conveying that while lack of resources may inspire creativity or drive in some individuals by necessity, it has a far more damaging effect overall by limiting human potential. Some key points:
- Gardner acknowledges that “poverty has stimulated talent” in some cases, likely by motivating self-education, entrepreneurship or perseverance when opportunities are scarce.
- However, he asserts that for every one talent or success story poverty may have indirectly fostered, it has “blighted a hundred” others through lack of access to basics like nutrition, healthcare, education or safety nets.
- Gardner implies that widespread poverty imposes restrictions, vulnerabilities and lack of support that crush the potential in far more people than it provides unlikely motivations for the exceptionally determined few who overcome severe disadvantages.
Overall, the quote conveys Gardner’s perspective that while lack of resources may hypothetically benefit a small number, it overwhelmingly stunts human flourishing on a mass scale by imposing barriers, vulnerabilities and lack of access that prevent countless others from reaching their full capabilities or pursuing opportunities due to economic constraints and disadvantages outside their control.
Birthday: November 20, 1926 – Death: August 20, 2007