The World Bank has not invariably been my favorite…
““The World Bank has not invariably been my favorite organization. The power to do good goes almost always with the possibility to do the opposite, and as a professional economist, I have had occasions in the past to wonder whther the Bank could not have done very much better.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He acknowledges the World Bank’s mixed record, noting that power to do good often coexists with potential for harm, and wonders if it could improve.
In simple terms: World Bank can do good but also harm; improvement possible.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess institutions and advocate for better outcomes.
Themes
economics
development
institutional critique
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
academic
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- development projects
- global finance
- ethical review
Key Concepts
power dynamics
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure accountability in large organizations?
- How can economists influence reform?
A Different Perspective
Complex institutions cannot be judged solely by successes or failures.