Skip to content

Today there are a lot places where people say they're just…

“Today there are a lot places where people say they're just hopeless. If I can come from a hopeless country, get an education, become a hyphenated American and become president of the World Bank, it's my moral duty to make sure that every single person on the planet has that opportunity.” quote by Jim Yong Kim
Download Open image
“Today there are a lot places where people say they're just hopeless. If I can come from a hopeless country, get an education, become a hyphenated American and become president of the World Bank, it's my moral duty to make sure that every single person on the planet has that opportunity.”

Jim Yong Kim

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker asserts a personal responsibility to expand global opportunity, drawing from his own journey from hardship to leadership.

In simple terms: He feels duty-bound to give others the same chances he had.

Key Takeaway

Use your success to lift others.

Themes

responsibility opportunity leadership

Mood

determined inspirational

Type

call to action ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy advocacy
  • mentoring
  • scholarships
  • community development

Key Concepts

social mobility global equity education

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions better support those from disadvantaged backgrounds?
  • What concrete steps can leaders take to democratize opportunity?
A Different Perspective

Success alone does not guarantee systemic change; structural barriers persist.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jim Yong Kim

Explore all 44 Jim Yong Kim quotes

More Country quotes

Browse all 29,881 Country quotes